Edna O'Brien is an Irish novelist, playwright, poet, and short story writer. She is best known for her works of fiction which often focus on the inner feelings of women and their struggles with traditional society. Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and was banned in Ireland due to its frank depiction of female sexuality. She has since written numerous novels, plays, and short stories, and has been awarded numerous awards for her work, including the Irish PEN Award in 1999.