Questions About Warlight

by Michael Ondaatje

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Warlight, please sign up.

Answered Questions (21)

Need one good reason as to why I should read Warlight. What is the comparison to "The English Patient" about?

Betty This is a hilarious question. One good reason why you should read ANY book...because you want to read it?

flag

how many pages?

Robyn The novel is not lengthy, but I would agree with Roger. Do not rush through reading this book; the prose is wonderful and, when you allow the words to…moreThe novel is not lengthy, but I would agree with Roger. Do not rush through reading this book; the prose is wonderful and, when you allow the words to wash over you, you will find that come away with some new understandings of what it means to belong to a family, and even how to define family. Additionally, Ondaatje is a master of language, so I would say sit back and enjoy. This novel is not a light summer read, but it is a worthwhile read. I know I will revisit it time and time again, just as I did with The English Patient.(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Susanna No, it's not made clear--much like other parts of the novel! The only thing I can come up with are these two quotes: "Each Friday, I boarded the six o…moreNo, it's not made clear--much like other parts of the novel! The only thing I can come up with are these two quotes: "Each Friday, I boarded the six o'clock train at Liverpool Street Station, and relaxed, just stared at the ribbon on landscape passing me. It was the hour of distilling everything I had gathered during the week. Facts, dates, my official and unofficial research fell away and were replaced by the gradual story, half dreamed, of my mother and Marsh Felon. How they had eventually walked towards each other without their families, their brief moment as lovers, and then their retreat, but still holding on to the unusual faithfulness to each other. I had barely a clue as to the cautious desire, of travels to and from dark airfield and harbours. All I had, in reality, was no more than a half-finished verse of an old ballad rather than evidence. But I was a son, parentless, with what was not known to a parentless son, and I could only step into fragments of the story." Then later: "Even in this distillled, cautious version of Felon and Rose there is a confusion and even uncertainty about what may have happened, what may have been said; nothing quite fits within the rhyme of their story. Who was it, or what, exactly, would break off the relationship that began that night by an iron stove?"(less)

flag

What was the quote used by Agnes and embroidered on the framed picture in the Darters house that lead Nathaniel to identify Sofie as Agnes?

Spock's Cat Just to add to Jeanne's answer below, the quotation is attributed to Richard Porson, a famous English Classicist (1759-1808), and appeared in a biogra…moreJust to add to Jeanne's answer below, the quotation is attributed to Richard Porson, a famous English Classicist (1759-1808), and appeared in a biography of him by M. L. Clark ('Richard Porson: a Biographical Essay', 1937). Porson had lost his position at Cambridge because he would not take Holy Orders, a prerequisite of holding a fellowship at the time. He, therefore, lost all his income and was destitute for a time.

None of this detail is in 'Warlight' nor does it matter to the story, but I thought I would add it in case that was what you were asking.(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)