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A review by wendoxford
Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
2.0
Completely split about this book. I loved the poetry, not just the poems but some of the sections of writing conjuring up a whole other world in sparingly selected language. I also loved the non linear structure and endless changes of style memoir/reportage/gossip/fiction/poetry/surreal travel guide.
However at the centre of this crafted prose is a drunken controlling man, the author's father. The core of the book, for me, read like an ode to a lush without any attempt at emotional connection. For such a wealth of family memory it is extraordinarily lifeless.
However at the centre of this crafted prose is a drunken controlling man, the author's father. The core of the book, for me, read like an ode to a lush without any attempt at emotional connection. For such a wealth of family memory it is extraordinarily lifeless.