In the Skin of Ondaatje's Characters

In the Skin of Ondaatje's Characters

I started reading 'In the Skin of a Lion' by Michael Ondaatje today. Since my high school english class introduced me to Ondaatje, I have have a great affection for his works. Between high school and uni I read the famed English Patient, Anil's Ghost, The Cat's Table, and my personal favourite, Divisadero. 

Ondaatje has this ability, more than any author whose works I have read, to work in prose such that the impact on the reader is that of a poem. He plays with characters' perspectives with such agility that other talented authors trying to achieve the same versatility would undoubtedly struggle. 

Some of Ondaatje's words have moved me to tears. Unlike films, there was no soundtrack (soundtracks are usually what get me). I can't say for sure that 'In the Skin of a Lion' will have the same effect. 30 pages in, I can say that he has transported me with authenticity to the reality of working life in Canada in my grandfather's generation. 

More to come when I finish the story no doubt