Down by the River (novel)

[1] The novel was based on a real-life story from 1992, when a similar case ignited controversy in both Ireland and the UK.

[2] Reception of the novel was generally positive focusing on O'Brien's prose and critique of Irish culture.

Publishers Weekly described the novel as effective "Taking Mary's point of view, and revealing the full horror and pathos of her heroine's plight only gradually, O'Brien creates a stark, unflinching story.

"[1] The New York Times greatly praised the novel, describing the novel as a continuation of O'Brien's earlier efforts: "Earlier in her career, she wrote with a wit and ferocity that were enhanced by the sweetness and simplicity of her style.

"[2] Though Kirkus Reviews praised the novel as "one of the most ferocious indictments of Gaelic life and culture since The Playboy of the Western World,"[3] it describes the novel as not entirely satisfying with a "propagandistic tone and two-dimensional characterizations.