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Literary Fiction· Canada

The English Patient

by Michael Ondaatje
Aggregate Editorial Score68/100
★Booker Prize
Published 1992315 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient (1992) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. In an Italian villa at the end of World War II, a badly burned man of mysterious identity lies dying while being cared for by a Canadian nurse. Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel weaves together memory, desire, betrayal, and the wounds of war in lyrical, rhapsodic prose. It shared the Booker with Barry Unsworth's Sacred Hunger. Themes of World War II, identity, love run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 1992.

Book Details

AuthorMichael Ondaatje
Published1992
Country of Origin🇨🇦 Canada
LanguageEnglish
Pages315
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679745204
Editorial Score68/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇨🇦 Canada

This book is part of Canada's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1992, Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with World War II, identity, love, memory gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 1992. Its aggregate editorial score of 68/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The English Patient is how it handles its central concerns — World War II, identity, love, memory — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within Canada's literary landscape, Michael Ondaatje occupies a significant position. The English Patient is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
199266
✍️
About the Author
Michael Ondaatje
Canada
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Michael Ondaatje is a celebrated author from Canada known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The English Patient about?

In an Italian villa at the end of World War II, a badly burned man of mysterious identity lies dying while being cared for by a Canadian nurse. Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel weaves together memory, desire, betrayal, and the wounds of war in lyrical, rhapsodic prose. It shared the Booker with Barry Unsworth's Sacred Hunger.

Who wrote The English Patient?

The English Patient was written by Michael Ondaatje, from Canada. First published in 1992.

What awards has The English Patient won?

The English Patient has received the following awards and honours: Booker Prize 1992.

Is The English Patient worth reading?

The English Patient is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 66/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in World War II, identity, love.

Where can I buy The English Patient?

You can buy The English Patient on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The English Patient?

The English Patient is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The English Patient from?

The English Patient originates from Canada's literary tradition. Explore more books from Canada on our country page.

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