Down by the River
1998 Nominated

Down by the River

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

In the deceptively idyllic setting of rural Ireland, a crime of passion results in an emotional battlefield. At the centre of the crisis a young girl struggles with the conflicts of mind and body, the teaching of her faith and her mounting bewilderment at what she must do. As she tries to conceal, then escape her fate, she finds herself driven to the brink of despair. And then her private – and redeemable – tragedy is dragged into the public realm, and the power of decision is taken out of her hands.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Edna
O’Brien

Edna O’Brien (1930-2024) Since her debut novel The Country Girls Edna O’Brien wrote over twenty works of fiction along with a biography of James Joyce and Lord Byron. She was the recipient of many awards including the Irish Pen Lifetime Achievement Award, the American National Art’s Gold Medal and the Ulysses Medal. Born and raised in the west of Ireland she had lived in London for many years. She died on  27th July 2024 in London, England.

 

Edna O’Brien (1930-2024) Since her debut novel The Country Girls Edna O’Brien wrote over twenty works of fiction along with a biography of James Joyce and Lord Byron. She was the recipient of many awards including the Irish Pen Lifetime Achievement Award, the American National Art’s Gold Medal and the Ulysses Medal. Born and raised in the west of Ireland she had lived in London for many years. She died on  27th July 2024 in London, England.

 

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United States
Publisher
Farrar, Straus & Giroux

RELATED FEATURES

Video April 7 2026

The 2026 Shortlist

Discover this year's Dublin Literary Award Shortlist
News April 7 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist is Announced

Delve into the 6 novels shortlisted this year.
News April 2 2026

Past Winner Spotlight: Michael Crummey

Reflecting on his 2025 Dublin Literary Award win with his novel 'The Adversary', libraries, literature and more.
News March 11 2026

Translator Spotlight: Jo Heinrich

Reflecting on translating the 2023 winning novel 'Marzahn, Mon Amour' and life as a literary translator.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.