The work of Irish novelist Kate O'Brien has been systematically censored and marginalized by Irish governments and critics alike. Indeed one of the main reasons for O'Brien's literary relegation has been the assumption that her work is novelettish. Ordinary People Dancing provides a scholarly reassessment of O'Brien's work, and argues that her significance to the modern Irish literary canon has been undervalued. In the introductory essay the editor argues that in order to understand the significance of Kate O'Brien's work we must take account of the intellectual context in which she worked. The contributors go on to examine the strategies she used to subvert the stifling social and religious mores of the new Republic. A number of essays also look at the problems and limitations of O'Brien's depiction's of sexual identity. Most importantly however, this collection offers a stimulating analysis of the work and intellect of a courageous writer, and situates O'Brien as one of the most passionate and intelligent 'voices' of her time.