Rencontre avec John Banville

On the occasion of the release of a special « James Joyce - John Banville » edition of the prestigious French review Europe, and the publication of his new novel Mrs Osmond in French by Robert Laffont, we are delighted to welcome John Banville back to the CCI this evening. Isabel Osmond, a spirited, intelligent young heiress, flees to London after being betrayed by her husband, to be with her beloved cousin Ralph on his deathbed. After a sombre, silent existence at her husband's Italian palazzo, Isabel's daring departure to London reawakens her youthful quest for freedom and independence, as old suitors resurface and loyal friends remind her of happier times. But soon Isabel must decide whether to return to Rome to face up to the web of deceit in which she has become entangled or to strike out on her own once more.

John Banville discusses his masterly novel of betrayal, corruption and moral ambiguity with Clíona Ní Ríordáin (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3).

Also present this evening are the editors of the cultural and literary review Europe, first published in 1923 by writer Romain Rolland, of which exploration of different forms of knowledge and artistic pursuit continues to be the guiding principle.