This is such a beautiful book. It's very well written with great imagery and is such a poignant story. A great read.

Sensually written with vivid imagery, Ondaatje paints an exotic tale of forbidden love over a vast desert landscape and war-torn Europe. I enjoyed the multi-layered stories and how they wove into one another. There is a dream-like quality in his story-telling that is purely magical.

Make no mistake, this book is a brilliant and beautiful piece of literature, but it's not light reading and it's not for everyone. You have to be willing to sit down and concentrate on it, or it won't do the job.
If you do so have the inclination, I urge you to read it, and you won't regret it.

Because people tend to misunderstand crucial works of art - and then talk about it when asked, I would not have picked up this novel due to some bad reviews from friends. When I needed to do a report however, I hadn't much choice. This book is misunderstood by those who do not analyze it and research its biography and details . When at times it seems not clear who is talking or who they are talking to, it is because it is meant to be that way. It is a great book that can change a reader's perception of his or her sorroundings.Don't judge books by other people's reviews. Actually, don't judge by my review either. If you read it, I promise you won't be disaapointed if you look deeper.

The idea that this book represents was what really earned it all of it's recognition, the conflict that the patient faces is something that has no right or wrong answer.
However, the style in which it is written, and the format, the descriptions without solid facts, the living and reliving a memory through the eyes of different people, I found that it did not appeal to me at all. It was confusing at best, so I would say if you are a very strong reader who has time to sit down and read through this all at once, by all means, pick this book up, you will enjoy it. :)
Moderate readers like me will find it more enjoyable simply to read a summary of the novel and ponder on the moral issues it has raised.

No offence to the author, but I really didn't like this book very much. It was far too descriptive (does a person really need to know that 18 cypress trees lined a pathway, the door was three-quartars of the way opened, etc.) and the story just dragged on and on. The only good part of the book was during the last few chapters, the rest of it wasn't very good. The story was well written, but the plot and everything else that went along with it (the characters, setting, etc.) was just plain horrible. The story was so confusing that most of the times, I had no idea who was doing the talking, but don't take my word for it, you can read the book yourself.

Straightforward, this novel isn't. What it is, and I love this about it, is dreamy, enchanting, and involving. I can't remember how many times I've read it, but each time I find new things to enjoy, as one might in a recurring daydream. Which is not to say that it's exactly a happy book. What always amazes me about Michael Ondaatje is how much he knows about, well, everything. Land mines. Peacock bones. Desert archaeology. You have to like someone who is so in love with knowing interesting things.

If you read random pages in this book, you will find it almost unbearable and will be tempted to put it back down.

DON'T!

Although I was expected to be challenged by the length of the book, and the success of the film, I was even more enthralled with the story after reading it. Ondaatje's writing pulls you in immediately and doesn't let go until the last word. Even if you have seen the movie, you will have missed the nuances, especially in the thoughts of the characters as they go through their inner struggles. After 3 years, I can still recall the imagery, yes, it was that powerful.

Got the Chance to Read This Excellent Book For My Research Paper. Micheal did a very Good Job!I Love This Book. A Very Serene and Meaningful Novel!

To tell you the truth, I bought the book after seeing the movie. Big mistake. I should have just bought the video when it was released. In fact, EP is not one of the author's best works. Try his older works, such as In the Skin of the Lion or The Wars. Those characters are more compelling to read about.

Ondaatje weaves a beautiful tale full of intrigue and romance. A very rich read, it will transport you to another time and space. Well worth the cover price.

This book was one of the worst books that I have even read. It was the worst $16.00 dollars ever!