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Average Customer Rating: 
The English Patient >
Customer Review #1:
:)
Patience is an attribute, essential for those interested in reading The English Patient. This piece of literature is difficult to follow; However, it is well worth the endeavor. Pictures are drawn by the prolific words of the author, Michael Ondaatje. The English Patient is a portrayal of life during and after World War II, through the eyes of four unique individuals. This motley quartet consists of a young, Canadian nurse; a relatively young Sikh, serving the British as a sapper (a mine-disarmer); a middle age thief by nature, turned spy by the war; and a charred patient. During their time together, congregated in a deserted Italian villa, their stories unravel, revealing past circumstances, existing emotions, and unfolding ambitions. Enfolded in the plot of this fictional narrative, are several fine points of relevancy, pertaining to war. Ondaatje intertwined pertinent pieces of information, which served as substantial grounds from which the setting was contrived. In numerous cases, the author succeeded in evoking an empathetic point of view from the reader. The tactics are convincing, and the theme is not devoted to a complete genial complexion. The English Patient is one I will have to read again, in favor of my understanding.
The English Patient >
Customer Review #2:
 Dream-like, poetic, and drifting.
I read and re-read "The English Patient" several times...and in different places. In my garden, on a ship at sea, and lastly, by the shore of a quiet lake in the northern part of my state. Each time I found a new relationship with the characters that I had not realized before. At first I focused on The English Patient as the book seemed to revolve around "his" story. Somehow I did not pity him though. He made the mistake of loving another mans wife. His punishment was dying, helpless and alone with her inside his minds eye. Katherine, easily dismissed and important in that her being caused The English Patient to begin his journey towards his fate. Hana seemed the most human. She was so strong but determined in a strange way to live with a dying man and ease his pain. Kip was Asian and had a code of honor which the author tried to show us in fragments. He was a mystery. But that is what the author wanted, I believe. The torture victim Caravaggio was interesting. In fact, each character was a victim of torture - either the sad result at anothers hands or self-inflicted which can be the most miserable. This is a story that will linger with you long after you have put the book away.
The English Patient >
Customer Review #3:
Unique and exciting
I cant imagine who would not enjoy "The English Patient" since the book has all things for all people. Its a love story, that contains historical fiction, espionage, hints of the super natural, hope, tragedy, and a degree of mystery. The premise of four different people coping with their damaged lives in an Italian Villa at the end of World War II is a compelling one. Hanna, a nurse must deal with the loss of her father and numerous patients. Kip, the engineer who difuses bombs is haunted by the loss of his mentor and teacher, Lord Suffolk. Caravagio the thief has lost his ability to steal after having his thumbs cut off by the gestapo. And Almasy, it seems has lost everything including his lover, his friends, and his body.
Unlike the film version of "The English Patient", things in the novel are quirky and never fully resolved. We learn of Almasys death before it happens and are exposed to his omnicient recollections in the mean time. As a result, his death becomes irrelvant and we are able to focus completely on his narrative of the past. Similarly, Almasys affair with Katherine is stranger and darker than the overt passion between them in the film version. Long after Kip returns to India and marrys, his mind is still very much in sink with Hannas. When Caravagio returns to Canada he is still reminded of Kip years later. In life and in death an invisible thread connects the characters to each other even after they have gone their separate ways.
I thought the film was as wonderful as the book but for completely different reasons. The film was a very compelling drama and love story. But in order for that to happen, Almasy needed to be more of a cut and dry character. He was a taciturn, pseudo Nazi with burried emotion and a tragic streak. In the novel, Almazy was odd humorous and possessed knowledge of almost everything. Instead of appealing to us as a doomed lover, he teased us and made us wonder who and what he really was. In the end his story remained a mystery.
I am glad that this book has not been classified as ethnic literature simply because the author is of Indian decent. Many readers may disagree with me, but I think of literature as the ulimate equalizer. A persons prose stands on its own regardless of who the person is or where they are from. Michael Ondaatje is a great writer more than he is a great Indian writer.
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