In Conversation with John Banville

The acclaimed novelist John Banville made a welcome return visit to the College on Tuesday 25th April. The staff of the library were especially delighted that John Banville accepted an invitation earlier in the year as it proved to be a busy time for one of Ireland’s leading literary figures. Banville won the Man Booker Prize in 2005 with his novel The Sea - with the judges on the night describing the novel as “a masterly study of grief, memory and love recollected”. The Sea also won the Irish Book Awards Novel of the Year 2006. The awards are well-deserved recognition for his contribution to literature over a long period beginning with the publication of his first novel, Nightspawn, in 1971. Derek Hand from the English Department, an expert on Banville’s work, interviewed John while a captivated audience listened on - the interview was both fascinating and at times humorous - with Banville giving sparkling and candid accounts of the craft of writing and its meaning for him. The evening concluded with a cheese and wine reception attended by Banville.

Derek Hand (English Department) in conversation with John Banville

Last Updated: Thursday September 21 2006