Running in the Family

Michael Ondaatje is a Sri Lankan-born Canadian novelist and poet known for his lyrical prose and evocative storytelling. His most notable works include "The English Patient," which won the Booker Prize and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, and "In the Skin of a Lion." Ondaatje is celebrated for his innovative narrative techniques, blending historical fiction with elements of poetry and memoir. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and the impact of war on individuals. Ondaatje's contributions to literature have had a significant influence on the postmodern novel genre, inspiring a new generation of writers to experiment with form and style.