Comments on: Review – The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje

By: Lucy

Lucy — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:25:51 +0000

I bought this book way before the movie — picked it up off the shelf at the bookstore because of the Cecil Beaton photograph on the front. Read the first page and was hooked. I don’t think I am particularly cultured or literate but I loved loved loved this book. I read In the Skin of a Lion and loved that book as well. I’ve read some of his poetry, didn’t like it. Read his memoir, didn’t like it. I haven’t read anything else since and I never reread The English Patient — after I had my kid 7 years ago, I haven’t had the energy or brain focus to read him but I have Anil’s Ghost sitting on my shelf — maybe in ten years .

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:55:04 +0000

I've never seen the movie, and the book is on my shelf collecting dust. I probably should read it already.I hope it's okay that I linked to your review on War Through the Generations.

By: Kari

Kari — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Ha, I know this is old news, but it just reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine’s boyfriend dumps her because she hates the English Patient movie. And then she’s forced to see it again with Peterman and still hates it.

By: S. Krishna

S. Krishna — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:19:09 +0000

Ha! Great review – our discussion really was kind of lame for this book, wasn’t it?

By: Rebecca Cox

Rebecca Cox — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:05:43 +0000

I loved this book. It was so much better than the movie and went into much greater detail. I was thrilled when I finished reading it that I picked it up at the bookstore. It is on my keep shelf and I have lent it to many friends. They have all loved it. I even gave the book to my DH who loved the movie and agreed that the book was even better.

I had to watch the movie about 3 times before I was able to actually pick up all the nuances and the book gave these details without me having to work so hard.

By: claire

claire — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:24:28 +0000

I’m really surprised how so many here didn’t like this book. I’m one of the few, then, who really loved it. I haven’t seen the movie, though. I didn’t like Divisadero as much, by the way.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:24:32 +0000

Every time I see this book being reviewed, I have to laugh. Not because it was funny, but because it reminds me of Seinfeld! The episode where Elaine goes to see this movie…and everyone else LOVES it. And she HATES it. That is how I feel about the book. Everyone loved it but me. I thought it was so boring!

I can’t imagine it would be great for a bookclub.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Library Loot, an OMG Moment…and Books! =-.

By: Yvette Kelly

Yvette Kelly — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:38:54 +0000

I like the idea of being able to tell people I enjoyed books like The English Patient as it would sound like I was incredibly cultured.But no matter how hard I try I just cannot.I have considered lying and then chickened out in case I get asked a whole lot of “cultured” questions.Oh boy…

By: zibilee

zibilee — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:30:47 +0000

Hated, hated, hated the movie, which kept me from reading this book. I have to say I think if I did read it, it would probably go over my head also. It seems like a really intimidating book. Great review!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:03:48 +0000

I couldn’t make myself finish the book or the movie.

I like that first bit about how you’re not in a book club to read what you have. I suspect I’d have skipped the meeting on this one.