Quick Take

With ravishing beauty and unsettling intelligence, Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel traces the intersection of four damaged lives in an Italian villa at the end of World War II. Hana, the exhausted nurse; the maimed thief, Caravaggio; the wary sapper, Kip: each is haunted by the riddle of the English patient, the nameless, burned man who lies in an upstairs room and whose memories of passion, betrayal,and rescue illuminates this book like flashes of heat lightening.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The English Patient

Introduction

Michael Ondaatje's "The English Patient" is a novel that has captivated readers with its poeticism, sensuality, and unsettling intelligence. Set in an Italian villa at the end of World War II, the book follows the intertwined lives of four damaged individuals, each haunted by their experiences and the mysterious English patient. This article will delve into the book's author, Michael Ondaatje, analyze common opinions and feelings expressed by readers, and summarize the reasons why readers recommend and do not recommend this book.

About Michael Ondaatje

Michael Ondaatje, the author of "The English Patient," was born into a mixed-race family of Dutch-Tamil-Sinhalese-Portuguese origin. He moved to England with his mother in 1954 and later settled in Canada. Ondaatje is known for his versatility as a writer, encompassing various genres such as memoir, poetry, and film. He has been involved with Toronto's influential independent press, Coach House Books, supporting small-press publications as a poetry editor. In 1992, Ondaatje received the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his novel, which was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

Analysis of Views

Poeticism and Sensuality: Many readers praise the book for its poeticism and sensuality. The language used by Ondaatje is described as evocative, immersive, and capable of transporting readers into the story. The sensuality of the book is highlighted through descriptions of characters' experiences and the exploration of their emotions.
Fragmented Narrative: Some readers find the narrative fragmented and difficult to follow. The constant shifts between past and present, as well as the interweaving of different characters' perspectives, can make it challenging to maintain a clear understanding of the story. However, these same readers appreciate the book's unique storytelling approach and find it adds depth to the overall experience.
Unsettling Intelligence: The book is described as unsettling due to its exploration of complex themes such as love, war, identity, and memory. Readers appreciate the way Ondaatje delves into these themes and how they are intertwined with the characters' experiences. The unsettling nature of the book adds depth and complexity to the story.
Cinematic Adaptation: The film adaptation of "The English Patient" has been widely praised for its visual beauty and emotional impact. Readers often compare the book to the film, noting that while both versions are excellent in their own right, they offer different perspectives on the story. Some readers find that reading the book first enhances their appreciation of the film adaptation.
Lyrical Prose: Ondaatje's lyrical prose is a standout feature of the book. Readers appreciate the way he uses language to create a sense of atmosphere and convey emotions. The prose is described as evocative, poetic, and capable of capturing the essence of the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Poeticism and Sensuality: Readers recommend "The English Patient" for its poeticism and sensuality. They find the language used by Ondaatje to be captivating and immersive, transporting them into the world of the characters. The sensuality of the book adds depth to their reading experience and enhances their connection with the story.
Unsettling Intelligence: Many readers appreciate the unsettling intelligence displayed by Ondaatje in his exploration of complex themes such as love, war, identity, and memory. They find the way he interweaves these themes with the characters' experiences to be thought-provoking and thought-provoking.
Cinematic Adaptation: The film adaptation of "The English Patient" has been widely praised for its visual beauty and emotional impact. Readers who have seen the film often recommend reading the book to gain a deeper understanding of the story and appreciate Ondaatje's lyrical prose in its original form.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Fragmented Narrative: Some readers find the fragmented narrative challenging to follow and find it detracts from their overall enjoyment of the book. They appreciate the unique storytelling approach but feel that it can make it difficult to maintain a clear understanding of the story.
Difficulty in Accessibility: A few readers express difficulty in accessing certain aspects of the book due to its poetic language and complex themes. They find it challenging to fully engage with the story due to these obstacles, which may limit their ability to fully appreciate its beauty and depth.

Conclusion

"The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje is a novel that has captivated readers with its poeticism, sensuality, and unsettling intelligence. While some readers find it challenging due to its fragmented narrative and difficulty in accessibility, many others praise it for its exploration of complex themes and evocative prose. Whether you are drawn to its poetic language or appreciate its unsettling nature, "The English Patient" offers a unique reading experience that lingers long after finishing the last page.