44 pages • 1 hour read
256
Novel • Fiction
Toronto • 1920s-1930s
1987
Adult
18+ years
In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje follows Patrick Lewis, a Canadian man who moves from his rural hometown to Toronto in the 1920s. The novel unfolds through a series of interconnected stories set against the backdrop of Canadian industrialization, depicting Patrick's encounters with immigrant workers, socialist activists, tycoons, and thieves over two decades, from the late 1910s to the late 1930s. Specific topics in the book include violence, severe injury, and death from industrial accidents.
Gritty
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
19,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Michael Ondaatje's In the Skin of a Lion is celebrated for its poetic language, rich historical context, and intricate character development. Critics praise its atmospheric storytelling and vivid depiction of early 20th-century Toronto. However, some find its non-linear narrative challenging and its pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a mesmerizing, albeit complex, literary experience.
Readers who appreciate richly descriptive narratives and multifaceted characters will enjoy Michael Ondaatje's In the Skin of a Lion. This novel captivates those who favor historical fiction with a poetic touch, akin to works like E.L. Doctorow's Ragtime or Isabelle Allende's The House of the Spirits.
19,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Toronto • 1920s-1930s
1987
Adult
18+ years
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