This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The English Patient

   

   "The English Patient" is a story of four diverse individuals brought together at an Italian villa during the final days of World War II. The narrative revolves around a severely burned man who can't remember his name or past, a young Canadian nurse who tends to him, a Sikh British Army sapper, and a Canadian thief. As they navigate their own traumas and losses, the past of the mysterious patient slowly unravels, revealing a tale of love, identity, and betrayal.

   The 644th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. In The Skin Of A Lion

   

   Set in the early 20th century, the novel paints a vivid picture of the lives of immigrants and workers in Toronto, weaving together their personal stories with the city's historical events. The narrative follows the protagonist, a young man from rural Ontario, as he moves to the bustling city and becomes entangled in the lives of a diverse cast of characters, including a wealthy industrialist, a love interest with a mysterious past, and a group of bridge builders. Through his interactions and relationships, the novel explores themes of love, labor, and the unsung contributions of immigrants to the building of a city, all while the protagonist embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery and connection within the urban landscape.

   The 4288th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Warlight

   

   Set in post-World War II London, the narrative follows Nathaniel and his sister Rachel, who are left in the care of enigmatic figures after their parents mysteriously disappear. As they navigate a world filled with shadowy characters and hidden truths, the siblings uncover layers of secrets about their family's past and the war's lingering impact. Through a blend of memory and discovery, the story explores themes of identity, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, ultimately revealing the profound ways in which history shapes personal lives.

   The 5719th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Anil's Ghost

   

   "Anil's Ghost" is a gripping tale of a forensic anthropologist who returns to her native Sri Lanka in the midst of its civil war. She partners with local archaeologist, Sarath, to investigate a skeleton discovered in an ancient burial site, which they believe might be a victim of the war. The narrative explores the horrors of war, the quest for truth, and the struggle for personal and national identity in a land where the past and present are inextricably intertwined.

   The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Cat's Table

   

   In this evocative novel, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy who embarks on a sea voyage from Sri Lanka to England on the ship Oronsay in the early 1950s. During the journey, he is seated at the "cat's table"—the least prestigious place—along with a diverse group of adults and two other boys, with whom he forms a strong bond. As they sail across the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the protagonist experiences a series of adventures and misadventures, uncovering the hidden depths of the adult world and the complexities of life. The voyage becomes a transformative journey for him, shaping his understanding of friendship, love, and loss, in a narrative that beautifully intertwines the past and the present.

   The 14588th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. A Year Of Last Things

   

   **A Year of Last Things** by Michael Ondaatje is a poetic journey through the life of a writer who has traversed diverse cultures and landscapes. Born in Sri Lanka and having lived in London and Canada, Ondaatje reflects on his experiences of displacement, discovery, love, and loss. The poems weave together memories from his childhood in Sri Lanka, moments from historical events, and scenes from various places like Bulgarian churches and the California coast. Through these vivid fragments, Ondaatje crafts an emotional tapestry that captures the essence of a life lived across borders and time.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Running In The Family

   

   Set against the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka, this memoir weaves together a tapestry of family history, personal anecdotes, and cultural exploration. The narrative delves into the author's return to his ancestral homeland, where he embarks on a journey to uncover the eccentric and vibrant lives of his relatives. Through a blend of poetic prose and vivid imagery, the story captures the essence of a bygone era, filled with tales of love, loss, and the complexities of identity. The memoir paints a portrait of a family marked by both chaos and charm, offering a poignant reflection on the bonds that tie us to our past.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Divisadero

   

   Set against the backdrop of rural California and the French countryside, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of three characters bound by a shared past. The narrative explores themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of trauma as it follows the lives of Anna, Claire, and Coop, whose bonds are shattered by a violent event. As the story unfolds, the characters embark on separate journeys, each grappling with their own personal histories and the haunting echoes of their intertwined destinies. The novel's lyrical prose and fragmented structure mirror the complexity of human relationships and the elusive nature of truth.

9. 9. The Collected Works Of Billy The Kid

   Left Handed Poems

   

   This innovative narrative blends poetry and prose to reimagine the life and legend of the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid. Through a series of fragmented vignettes, the story delves into the chaotic and violent world of the American Wild West, capturing the raw emotions and turbulent experiences of its characters. The narrative weaves together historical facts with fictionalized accounts, offering a multifaceted exploration of identity, memory, and myth, while painting a vivid picture of the lawless frontier and the enigmatic figure at its center.

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10. 10. The Conversations

    Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film

    

    This captivating work delves into the intricate world of filmmaking through a series of dialogues with renowned film editor Walter Murch. The narrative unfolds as an exploration of the art and craft of editing, revealing the profound impact it has on storytelling and the cinematic experience. Through insightful discussions, the book offers a rare glimpse into the creative process, highlighting the delicate balance between technical precision and artistic intuition. It serves as both an homage to the unsung heroes of cinema and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

11. 11. Coming Through Slaughter

    

    Set in the vibrant and chaotic world of early 20th-century New Orleans, this novel delves into the life of legendary jazz musician Buddy Bolden, exploring his rise to fame and subsequent descent into madness. Through a fragmented narrative that mirrors the improvisational nature of jazz, the story captures the essence of Bolden's genius and the tumultuous environment that both fueled and consumed him. The novel paints a vivid portrait of a man whose passion for music was both his salvation and his undoing, set against the backdrop of a city teeming with life, creativity, and danger.

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12. 12. Blindganger