Anil arrives in Sri Lanka, and pursues a case investigating the death of an unknown corpse she names “Sailor”. Midway through the novel you are introduced to Gamini, Sarath’s brother, a doctor at one of the local hospitals. As the team uncovers the mystery of Sailor’s death, the reader witnesses Sri Lanka in conflict, and experiences how the conflict has affected daily lives of its people.
Ondaatje’s writing style is lyrical, which can read as dream-like especially during the numerous flashbacks which interweave effortlessly through the plot. His descriptions of Sri Lanka are beautiful and immersive, and when contrasted with the violence and the uncertainty, paints a juxtaposed picture. In the 1990s there were several areas in the world with internal conflicts: Sri Lanka, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and many more. This book could have been set in any of these places, at its base the story focuses on the consequences of conflict at a local level.
Anil’s Ghost is near perfect, it’s hard to find fault with it. As an outsider looking in, you are meant to identify with Anil, but I did not have that experience. She felt like a fish out of water for so much of the novel, and it became tiresome. Also, with the mid-plot addition of Gamini, I experienced a shift from Anil to Gamini. I listened to a podcast where Ondaatje likened the late addition character Gamini to the late addition of Kip from the English Patient. Kip kinda runs away with all of our hearts, so perhaps Gamini does as well? I’m glad that Ondaatje closes with Gamini, as his character is somewhat sad, yet hopeful.
Confession, this book has sat on my shelves for 15 years, and has survived multiple moves. Around page 50 I gave the front and back cover a hard look, and then kicked myself for not picking it up sooner! It’s a great read, a riveting mystery and it is oh so, so, so beautifully written. If you have some time, pick up Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje, I highly recommend it.
Anil’s Ghost is written by Michael Ondaatje, and published by Vintage Canada in 2000.