Faber to publish O'Brien's memoirs

FABER FABER has secured the rights to the publication of Edna O’Brien’s memoirs.

The book, provisionally titled Country Girl, is due for publication next year.

The deal was concluded between O’Brien’s agent Ed Victor and Faber editorial director Lee Brackstone yesterday for an undisclosed fee. The US rights have been bought by publishers Little, Brown.

O'Brien previously published a memoir in 1976 called Mother Ireland, but it is out of print.

The 77-year-old author’s updated memoirs will include encounters with former US president Bill Clinton, actor Marlon Brando and Jackie Onassis.

O'Brien has always been a prolific writer, and published her biography of Lord Byron, Byron in Love, recently.

Her new play Haunted, written especially for the British actress Brenda Blethyn, begins its run at the Gaiety Theatre on Monday.

Mr Brackstone said that, from what he had seen of her memoir, its appeal would transcend the “narrow boundaries of the literary life”.

“These pages sparkle with wit, mischief and magic, and the full story promises to provide an unforgettable snapshot of a mercurial life lived in the heat of passion and literary endeavour. It is a story that will resonate with young and old,” he said.