John Banville claims mixed feelings about his work. On his thriller-writing alter ego he says, “I’m proud of the Benjamin Black books in the way that a craftsman would be proud of a nicely finished table.” As for the Booker-winner’s titles, “John Banville books I loathe and despise and hate. They’re a standing affront to me.” He adds, “I have this fantasy,” says the much-lauded Irish novelist. “I’m walking past a bookshop and I click my fingers and all my books go blank. So I can start again and get it right.” What else is different between the two writers? […]