The Cinnamon Peeler

The scent and symbolism of cinnamon seem so central—did Ondaatje draw from personal experiences or cultural roots when choosing it as a motif?

The poems are so rich in sensory details that I found myself almost tasting and smelling the scenes. How did others connect with the sensory language?

Some poems felt deeply intimate while others touched on broader cultural themes. Was this contrast intentional, and how does it shape the overall tone?