Kate O'Brien

This new book provides a significant introduction and critical survey of the diverse works of Kate O'Brien (1897 - 1974) the Irish novelist, playwright, film-script writer, short-story writer, journalist and biographer. Her novels in particular promoted gender equality and a greater understanding of gender diversity. / This study introduces students to Kate O'Brien as an artist and an activist woman in the world. It studies her normative and non-normative representations of sexualities and affects, typically embodied in a young woman who happens to fall as a clog into the crushing social machine. The book offers a discussion of her work's political contents and effects, including her leftist commitments and issues of censorship. / Aintzane Legarreta Mentxaka's theoretical lenses include feminist, queer, postcolonial, and anti-authoritarian analysis, as well as the critical assessment of criticism originating in them. / Contents: Introduction, focusing on the grid-like structure of Kate O'Brien's thematic and stylistic concerns. A biographical sketch placing Kate O'Brien's artistic and personal development and choices in their historical and geographical context. Three chapters discussing three areas identified as crucial in Kate O'Brien's work: aesthetics, sexuality, and politics. A brief Conclusion, sketching potential areas for further investigation.