59 pages • 1 hour read
The English Patient
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Book Brief
305
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
910L
Super Short Summary
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje is a historical romance novel set in an Italian monastery at the end of World War II, exploring the intersecting lives of a Canadian nurse named Hana, a presumed English patient burnt beyond recognition, a morphine-addicted thief named Caravaggio, and an Indian bomb defuser named Kip. Sensitive topics including drug use, fire injury, war violence, and suicide are depicted.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
138,366 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje mesmerizes with its poetic prose and intricate narrative structure, weaving complex characters and historical settings. Praised for its lyrical beauty and depth, some find its nonlinear storytelling and pacing challenging. Nonetheless, it stands out for its emotional resonance and evocative imagery.
Who Should Read The English Patient?
A reader who enjoys The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje likely appreciates historical fiction, poetic prose, and complex character studies. Fans of Atonement by Ian McEwan or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which blend World War II settings with deeply personal narratives, would find this book compelling.
138,366 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hana
Hana
A 20-year-old Canadian nurse who remains at the Villa San Girolamo to care for the English patient after the Liberation of Italy. She is deeply affected by the war and struggles with personal trauma while dedicating herself to nursing.
Kirpal “Kip” Singh
Kirpal “Kip” Singh
An Indian Sikh sapper in the British Army who becomes a resident at the villa, known for his expertise in bomb disposal. He develops a close relationship with Hana during his time there.
Caravaggio
Caravaggio
An Italian immigrant to Canada and a professional thief who fought in the war for the Allies, he shares a past connection with Hana. Caravaggio arrives at the villa with his own experiences of suffering and forms relationships with other residents, including the English patient.
305
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
910L
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