“The Sexiest Painting I Know.”


“An Allegory with Venus and Cupid”, Agnolo Bronzino

So says John Banville who is, on occasion, the sexiest writer I know. Here is a great little interview with him. I liked this bit a lot:

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Phoebe Griffin in my Benjamin Black novels, particularly the latest, ‘Elegy for April’, in which she becomes really interesting. My agent Ed Victor says I am in love with her, but I think I am her.

Having read the first two Benjamin Black novels, I love to hear his identification with Phoebe, something I would not have guessed. I somehow assumed that he would identify most with Quirke, but that was me missing the more evocative clues. I have not read Elegy for April yet, and I can’t wait. Banville is marvelous. I love how much fun he seems to be having, juggling his two writing personae, “John Banville” and “Benjamin Black”. I read it all.

All my John Banville content is here.

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3 Responses to “The Sexiest Painting I Know.”

  1. Ruth Smyrl says:

    I just finished it this week and think it was the best yet! Hope you are feeling better Sheila-

  2. sheila says:

    Ruth – Oh, I’m so excited to read it!

    Feeling much better, thank you for asking. I had been ill in a pretty omnipresent way for about 5 months, and those symptoms (so far) have not returned since surgery. It’s like a whole new world. I still tire very easily, but I am on the mend!!

    Can’t wait to read new Benjamin Black – I still haven’t read the latest Banville either. Have some cathing up to do.

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