The Country Girls, the debut novel by Irish author Edna O Brien, was first published in 1960. It marked a significant moment in Irish literature, particularly for its candid exploration of female adolescence and sexuality. The novel is often recognized for breaking silence on subjects that were taboo in Ireland during that era, leading to its eventual banning and even public burning in O Brien's native country.

Set in rural Ireland in the 1950s, The Country Girls is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of two young women, Kate Brady and Baba Brennan, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in a conservative and repressive environment. The narrative tracks their journey from their sheltered life in a small Irish village to the more liberal and challenging environment of Dublin.

O Brien's novel is celebrated for its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and its honest portrayal of the inner lives of women. The characters of Kate and Baba are vividly drawn, with their friendship providing a central focus of the novel. Through their experiences, O Brien explores themes such as the search for love and identity, the constraints of societal expectations on women, and the longing for freedom and self-expression.

The Country Girls is the first book in a trilogy, followed by The Lonely Girl (later retitled Girl with Green Eyes) and Girls in Their Married Bliss. The trilogy as a whole charts the evolution of Kate and Baba from their adolescence into adulthood, offering an insightful, poignant, and sometimes humorous look at the challenges faced by women in mid-20th-century Ireland.

The novel's critical and commercial success established Edna O Brien as a significant literary voice. The Country Girls remains a landmark work in Irish literature, known for its groundbreaking subject matter and its enduring influence on discussions about women's lives and freedoms.