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A review by piedwarbler
Girl by Edna O'Brien
3.0
Harrowing subject matter, told through a distant, cool, almost objective narrative viewpoint. Emotions are implied rather than depicted. Events are sketched out in bare prose that leaves the reader to imagine the full horrors of what these girls went through, and are still going through.
It’s a tough read, especially as it’s full of researched truth. I found reading it somewhat of an ordeal, difficult at times to carry on reading, but it’s a necessary read that is bravely written. I am not sure O’Brien nails it; her use of the present tense to jolt you into the realisation that yes, this is here, and now, and it’s happening for real, doesn’t quite work for me, but then again, the events speak for themselves and I don’t think any stylistic elements add to what is an appalling story of inhumanity, torture and abuse.
I see some reviewers have considered whether this is a story that should be told by an Irish woman; surely all novels are appropriation in some way, shape or form, and I feel this is such an important story that it is a positive that it’s been told by such a lauded writer as Edna O’Brien - she has reach which means, I hope, that this book will be read by a wide audience.
It’s a tough read, especially as it’s full of researched truth. I found reading it somewhat of an ordeal, difficult at times to carry on reading, but it’s a necessary read that is bravely written. I am not sure O’Brien nails it; her use of the present tense to jolt you into the realisation that yes, this is here, and now, and it’s happening for real, doesn’t quite work for me, but then again, the events speak for themselves and I don’t think any stylistic elements add to what is an appalling story of inhumanity, torture and abuse.
I see some reviewers have considered whether this is a story that should be told by an Irish woman; surely all novels are appropriation in some way, shape or form, and I feel this is such an important story that it is a positive that it’s been told by such a lauded writer as Edna O’Brien - she has reach which means, I hope, that this book will be read by a wide audience.