Sir, – From very early on in her writing career, Edna O’Brien articulated how pathos, humour, and heartbreak intersect (Edna O’Brien, 1930-2024, Supplement, July 29th). Before being brought to a sanatorium for TB toward the end of The Country Girls (1960), Baba, the narrator’s considerate yet caustic best friend, leaves her the following note: “To Caithleen in remembrance of all the good times together. You’re a right-looking eejit”. – Yours, etc,
ADRIAN GOODWIN,
Cork.