Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story

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A compelling and uplifting exploration of the life and work of the trailblazing feminist Irish author, filmed shortly before her death.

On the publication of her debut novel, The Country Girls, in 1960, Edna O’Brien shot to literary superstardom. Her frank handling of her characters’ sex lives gained critical acclaim while shocking others. It was banned in Ireland – as were four of her subsequent novels.

Few writers have lived such an exhilarating and fulfilling life. In London and New York, O’Brien had illicit love affairs, hosted star-studded parties, and made and lost a fortune. The cast of her life included Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Marlon Brando and Sinéad O’Shea’s documentary doesn’t shy away from the glamour. But it’s at its best when it’s reminding us of O’Brien’s legacy and genius as a writer. She was one of the relatively few who wrote some of her best work during her 80s.

Making great use of archive footage – and O’Brien’s final interview – further insights are provided through Jessie Buckley’s readings from her diaries.

Ireland/UK 2025. Director Sinéad O’Shea. With Edna O’Brien, Jessie Buckley, Anne Enright, Andrew O’Hagan. 99 mins. 12

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