How much truth do we want from fiction? This fascinating question permeates the finale of Markovits’ Byron trilogy, while the complex four-layer structure, he explained, allows him to reveal his sources. ‘Childish Loves’ focuses on three specific periods in Byron’s life which Markovits regards as key moments in the poet’s sexual development. The chair, James Runcie, was keen to discuss modern and historical attitudes to sex and Markovits explained that, when faced with describing Byron’s innumerable sexual dalliances, he took his lead from Austen. Intriguing questions about the link between writers and their work were raised when Markovits admitted that, by including himself and his wife in the novel, he made it impossible for his character to have affairs.
Spiegeltent, Aug 23, 10.15am (11.15am), £8.00 – £10.00, eibfpp36.
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Sections: by Camille Burns - ED2011 Book Reviews | Tags: Benjamin Markovits, Edinburgh International Book Festival
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