Anil'in Hayaleti

Ondaatje balances the individual journeys with the larger conflict in Sri Lanka, but I'm curious how he maintained intimacy amidst the historical scope.

While those sections added authenticity, I wondered if they were necessary or if they slowed the narrative more than helped the story flow.

The setting feels so vivid and specific—I'm curious whether Ondaatje had a personal connection or did extensive research to capture the atmosphere.