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The English Patient
The English Patient
Author: Michael Ondaatje
Michael Ondaatje's stunning novel takes place during the final moments of the Second World War. It explores the lives of four people who come together in a damaged villa in Tuscany as the war retreats around a young Canadian nurse; an enigmatic thief whose skills have made him one of the war's heroes as well as one of its casualties; a Sikh sold...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780679745204
ISBN-10: 0679745203
Publication Date: 11/30/1993
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 348

3.5 stars, based on 348 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The English Patient on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
One of the better books I've ever read, I read it in one afternoon-night. I saw the movie years ago and enjoyed it and think the book is spectacular. It's a story about relationships, regrets, tragedies in tormented times. Through each other, all the characters learn more about themselves. I'll be looking for other works of this author to read in the future.
nana23 avatar reviewed The English Patient on + 243 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book is simply a beautiful story--the language used is outstanding.
jkzjs avatar reviewed The English Patient on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was the book that made me decide that I'd never finish a book again that I didn't like. I read every word of this book and suffered through the whole thing. Too many good books out there to read this.
reviewed The English Patient on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A unique book about love and individual frailties. Ondaatje is a master writer that takes you on a beautiful journey.
reviewed The English Patient on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I read this book too many years ago to review it in depth. Found this perfect-condition copy at a thrift shop and just had to buy it to share. I love this novel. The film version does not touch the depth of the writing. The characters are rich, the situation they find themselves in unique, the storyline absorbing. If you enjoyed the film but have never read the book, don't pass this one up.
Read All 49 Book Reviews of "The English Patient"

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reviewed The English Patient on + 181 more book reviews
A classic, if you like the movie, you will drown yourself in this book~
reviewed The English Patient on + 1450 more book reviews
Sometimes I let a book set before I write any comments. This was one but I can't forget it. It's a sad but lovely story so well written that it lingers in my mind. Four people touched by war are living together in an Italian town. Each has her/his own tragedies and secrets. The interactions among the characters are so poignant and memorable. I think that the cover of the book is misleading as the romance within is merely a wartime romance where each returns home to pursue a life in peacetime. The author weaves such admirable links among the four so that the reader almost feels she/he is in the room with them. It doesn't matter if it's the woman or one of the men or two of men who are interacting. Like all life encounters, the memories prompt thoughts of "I wonder where she/he is now and what they are doing." "What is that person's life like so many years later?" This is a wonderful reading experience.
reviewed The English Patient on + 20 more book reviews
Beautifully written story; easy to visualize action as you read. Well-drawn characters; very interesting plot lines. Would recommend this book to anyone.
5 stars
Amyaloha avatar reviewed The English Patient on + 31 more book reviews
My favorite book! Ok, my almost favorite book. Top 3 definitely. Moving, lyrical, it made me fall in love with Michael Ondaatje. The movie did it justice but the book as usual was so much more. A+

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