Renowned Irish author Edna O'Brien died at age 93 after a long illness. Celebrated for her fearless storytelling and rich prose, O'Brien's debut novel, 'The Country Girls,' scandalized Catholic Ireland in 1960 with its honest portrayal of women's lives and was promptly banned. Despite early controversy, her work became internationally acclaimed, and she received numerous accolades, including France's Order of Arts and Letters and Ireland's highest cultural honor, the Torc of the Saoi. Irish President Michael D. Higgins and literary peers praised her for her moral courage and transformative impact on Irish literature and women's status in society. O'Brien's legacy includes over 20 novels, biographies, plays, and screenplays, making her a pivotal figure in modern literature.