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greatly praised the novel, describing the novel as a continuation of O'Brien's earlier efforts: "Earlier in her career, she wrote with a wit and ferocity that were enhanced by the sweetness and simplicity of her style. Her old weapons were sharp and effective; perhaps she comes too late to this
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described the novel as effective "Taking Mary's point of view, and revealing the full horror and pathos of her heroine's plight only gradually, O'Brien creates a stark, unflinching story. But a simultaneous poetic sense also embues the narrative with beauty and grace."
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The novel was based on a real-life story from 1992, when a similar case ignited controversy in both
Ireland and the UK. The novel highlights the psychological realities of such attention on the girl, as she struggles with her abuse.
41:. The novel depicts the response of a local community the a girl, Mary, abuse by her father being exposed to their local community when she tries to get an abortion. The ensuing legal battle in a country which bans abortions.
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praised the novel as "one of the most ferocious indictments of Gaelic life and culture since
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102:"Fiction Book Review: Down by the River by Edna O'Brien"
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236:August Is a Wicked Month
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419:Psychological novels
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65:particular fight."
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83:References
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384:(2012)
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