the theme of emigration

[Hris]

it's really amazing how carefully Ondaatje has chosen his characters. Although nowadays we look forward to going abroad, emigration could be really painful because of the alianation it involves. The characters of Kip and the count show us how one is influenced by the absence of the old scenery.

[Val]

I saw it more as a theme of conflicting national identity then emigration, but agree that he has chosen his characters very well.