Michael Ondaatje

"The English Patient"

"The English Patient" is a highly acclaimed novel written by Michael Ondaatje in 1992. This literary work achieved significant recognition, winning both the prestigious Booker Prize and the Governor General's Award. Its popularity led to a film adaptation in 1996, which went on to receive nine Academy Awards, including the coveted titles of Best Picture and Best Director at the 69th Academy Awards.

The narrative structure of "The English Patient" employs a constant shifting between the past and the present. It delves into the memories of the severely burned English patient prior to his unfortunate accident, juxtaposing them with the ongoing events happening around him. Moreover, the story unfolds from the perspectives of each of the main characters, providing a multifaceted exploration of their individual experiences and viewpoints.

The novel introduces a young nurse named Hana, who finds herself stationed in an Italian villa during the year 1945. The area is plagued by the remnants of war, as the Germans had left behind countless bombs and landmines, posing a constant threat to those in the vicinity. Consequently, many nurses and patients have evacuated the area in search of safer havens. However, despite the danger, Hana chooses to remain in the villa.

One of Hana's patients is an unidentified man known as the English patient, whose body has been horrifically burned to the point where his features are unrecognizable. He was discovered amidst the wreckage of a plane crash. Remarkably, he had been taken in and cared for by a compassionate Bedouin tribe, who eventually brought him back to a British camp in 1944. The English patient is immensely grateful for their assistance.

Assuming him to be of English origin due to his mannerisms, Hana dedicates herself to his care. She spends time reading to him, often

choosing to engage him with passages from the book he carried with him during his travels - a copy of Herodotus' renowned work, "The Histories." In addition to her nursing duties, Hana finds solace in tending to the gardens surrounding the villa and even partakes in games like hopscotch.

The intricate narrative structure of "The English Patient" intricately weaves together the past and the present, offering glimpses into the memories and experiences of the characters. Hana's unwavering commitment to the enigmatic English patient, coupled with her activities such as reading and gardening, provides a sense of solace and humanity amidst the harsh realities of war.



One day, a new arrival named Caravaggio appears at the villa where Hana resides. He has bandaged hands and shares a history with Hana's father, Patrick, as they were old friends. Caravaggio had a past as a thief back in Canada, which he later utilized during the war while working for British Intelligence in North Africa. Unfortunately, the Germans captured him, subjected him to torture, and cruelly severed his thumbs, rendering his hands almost useless. Despite his recovery from the torment he endured, Caravaggio has developed a morphine addiction. He frequently mourns the death of Hana's father, who lost his life in the war.



Hana engages in playing the piano when two soldiers make their way to the villa. One of them is Kip, an Indian Sikh serving in the British army. His primary task involves clearing the area of potentially dangerous bombs. Kip expresses a desire to inspect the piano, suspecting the presence of booby-traps. As time progresses, Kip develops a harmonious rapport with the English patient, forging a connection. Despite the inherent dangers associated with his job, Kip becomes a part of Hana's makeshift family. Gradually, a romantic relationship blossoms between Kip and Hana.

In a revealing moment, the English patient discloses that his true name is Almasy. He recounts spending numerous years exploring the vast expanse of the North African desert, meticulously observing and creating maps. In 1936, Almasy welcomed Geoffrey Clifton, an Oxford man who owned an airplane, and his wife, Katherine, into his company. The three of them developed a close bond and enjoyed each other's company. Over time, Almasy found himself falling deeply in love with Katherine, and the two began an affair. However, Katherine eventually decided to end the affair, leading to Almasy's bitterness towards her, which he exhibited publicly. Unfortunately, despite his attempts to keep their relationship a secret, Geoffrey somehow discovered the truth about their liaison.



As World War II emerges on the horizon, Almasy finds himself caught in its tumultuous grip. A perilous incident unfolds, almost claiming the lives of Almasy, Katherine, and a grief-stricken Geoffrey. In a desperate act, Geoffrey attempts to crash his plane into Almasy, with Katherine also on board. Tragically, Geoffrey loses his life, while Katherine suffers severe injuries. Remarkably, Almasy miraculouslyemerges unscathed from the incident. Stranded in the harsh desert, Almasy makes the difficult decision to leave Katherine behind, ensuring she is protected by the warmth of a parachute. He embarks on a four-day journey on foot, determined to reach the nearest town for help.

However, upon his arrival in the town, Almasy encounters an unexpected obstacle. The British authorities suspect him of being a spy and refuse to aid him in rescuing Katherine. Despite his desperate pleas, Almasy fails to convince anyone of his true intentions.

In a twist of fate, Almasy finds himself working for the Germans, providing assistance to their spies in Cairo. Tragically, while en route to retrieve Katherine's body after her passing, his truck breaks down, leaving him with no choice but to undertake a long and arduous journey on foot back to her location.

Almasy places Katherine's lifeless body inside a plane, intending to give her a proper farewell. However, an unforeseen malfunction causes the

plane to catch fire. Almasy, compelled to save himself, bravely parachutes to safety, but not without sustaining severe burns in the process. It is at this critical juncture that the compassionate Bedouins come to his rescue, providing him with care and shelter.



Caravaggio, harboring suspicions regarding the English patient's true identity and background, takes it upon himself to fill in the gaps in Almasy's narrative. He uncovers crucial information about Geoffrey, who was an agent of British Intelligence and had full knowledge of the affair between Almasy and Katherine. The British authorities, aware of Almasy's collaboration with the Germans, devised a plan to eliminate him as a threat. However, their pursuit ultimately proves unsuccessful, as they lose track of Almasy, unable to recognize him due to the severe burns he suffered.

Caravaggio's investigations shed light on the complex web of relationships and betrayals, as well as the intertwined destinies of Almasy, Katherine, and the British Intelligence. The truth surrounding Almasy's involvement with the Germans and the tragic events that unfolded in the desert becomes clearer, fueling Caravaggio's suspicions and illuminating the intricate layers of the English patient's past.



Kip's brother harbored a deep-seated mistrust towards the western world, yet Kip willingly enlisted in the British army. He embraced the opportunity to serve, and under the tutelage of Lord Suffolk, a quintessential English gentleman, Kip received training as a bomb disposal officer. Lord Suffolk warmlywelcomed him into his family, establishing a sense of belonging. Kip's skills in bomb disposal flourished, but tragedy struck when Lord Suffolk and his group met their demise while attempting to defuse a bomb. This devastating event compelled Kip to leave England behind and assume the role of a sapper in Italy.

In his role as a sapper, Kip experiences a profound emotional detachment from those around him. However, upon meeting Hana, he discovers a way to rekindle his connection to humanity. Utilizing their relationship as a means of reconnecting, Kip finds solace in their companionship. The residents of the Italian villa come together to celebrate Hana's twenty-first birthday, fostering a sense of unity and joy among them. Within the context of their relationship, Kip grows increasingly comfortable, embracing his role as Hana's lover.



As August arrives, Kip receives distressing news through the radio waves. Reports of the atomic bomb dropped by the United States of America on Japan reach his ears. Consumed by rage, Kip struggles to fathom how a western nation could perpetrate such a heinous act. In his anger, he confronts the English patient, perceiving him as a symbol of the West. Wielding his gun, he threatens the patient's life. However, instead of following through with his threat, Kip chooses to flee on his motorcycle. He disappears from the villa, and his whereabouts remain unknown.



Years later, Kip finds happiness and fulfillment in his life. He has established a family of his own and has become a doctor in India. Despite his contentment, Kip never ceases to wonder about the fate of Hana, whose absence haunts his thoughts. Though he has moved on, his curiosity about Hana's well-being and the events that unfolded after his departure lingers within him.