Do You Want to Be Happy and Write?: Critical Essays on Michael Ondaatje

Michael Ondaatje is a Canadian writer who has achieved international prominence and recognition for his works of historical fiction, including The English Patient and In the Skin of a Lion. He has also been writing for over fifty years, and his innovative works include some of the most accomplished poetry in the English-speaking world. Do You Want to Be Happy and Write? reassesses Ondaatje's writing and the role of the poet, offering groundbreaking analysis informed by an understanding of his entire oeuvre. The book highlights transnational, postcolonial, and diasporic issues that have become increasingly apparent in Ondaatje's work, and contributors explore key interests that have reappeared and been rethought across his fiction and poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Michael Ondaatje, a Canadian writer, has achieved remarkable international prominence and recognition, surpassing many others in the literary world, let alone Canadian writers. This widespread acclaim is particularly evident in his works of historical fiction, such as "The English Patient," which won the prestigious Golden Man Booker Prize, and "In the Skin of a Lion," set in 1930s Toronto, which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award and won the Canada Reads competition in 2002. However, Ondaatje's literary career spans over fifty years, and his innovative works encompass some of the most accomplished poetry in the English-speaking world.

"Do You Want to Be Happy and Write?" is a groundbreaking collection that reassesses Ondaatje's writing and the role of the poet. It provides a comprehensive analysis of his entire oeuvre, placing early poetry collections like "The Collected Works of Billy the Kid" and "There's a Trick with a Knife I'm Learning to Do" alongside his full range of novels and his extensive work as a literary editor. The book highlights the transnational, postcolonial, and diasporic issues that have become increasingly apparent in Ondaatje's work. Contributors explore key interests that have reappeared and been rethought across his fiction and poetry, including the construction of identity, the nature of memory and its relation to family origins and history, the human body as a site of contestation and struggle, the contrast between Eastern and Western values and the Southeast Asian diaspora, the writers responsibility in depicting war, psychic trauma, and genocide, and an ongoing fascination with the visual and the media of photography.

Ondaatje's writing is characterized by its intricate exploration of the human condition, often blending historical events with personal narratives. His novels and poetry delve into the complexities of identity, memory, and the intersection of cultures, challenging readers to consider the complexities of the past and the present. His innovative use of language and form adds depth and richness to his works, making them accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

In conclusion, Michael Ondaatje's international prominence and recognition are well-deserved, as his innovative works of historical fiction and poetry have left an indelible mark on the literary world. "Do You Want to Be Happy and Write?" provides a comprehensive analysis of his entire oeuvre, highlighting the transnational, postcolonial, and diasporic issues that have become central to his writing. This collection is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and readers alike, offering a deeper understanding of Ondaatje's remarkable talent and contribution to literature.

Weight: 718g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228019039