Anil's Ghost is a novel by Michael Ondaatje that explores the aftermath of war and the search for truth and justice. The book takes place in Sri Lanka during the country's civil war and follows Anil Tissera, a Sri Lankan-born forensic anthropologist, as she returns to her homeland to investigate human rights abuses.
Table of Content
Anil's Ghost Book Summary
Plot Summary
Anil teams up with Sarath Diyasena, an archaeologist, to uncover the truth behind the mysterious skeleton found in an ancient burial site. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover the complexities of cultural and political differences and the struggle for justice and reconciliation.
Character Analysis
The book features well-developed and memorable characters, including Anil Tissera, Sarath Diyasena, Palipana, Gamini, and Ananda. Each character has a unique perspective and plays a significant role in the story.
Themes
Ondaatje's book explores themes of identity, memory, trauma, and the impact of war on individuals and society. It highlights the complexities of cultural and political differences and the struggle for justice and reconciliation.
Writing Style
The author's writing style is poetic and lyrical, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to Sri Lanka. He weaves together different narratives and timelines to create a layered and complex story.
Anil's Ghost Book Review
Anil's Ghost is a haunting and powerful novel that explores the aftermath of war and the search for truth and justice. The book is beautifully written, with well-developed and memorable characters. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history and culture.
Anil's Ghost Quotes
"The dead are always looking down on us, they say. While we are putting on our shoes or making a sandwich, they are looking down through the glass bottom boats, watching the tops of our heads moving below, seeing our faces and the backs of our shirts. They see the names on our labels, they can see the inside of our shoes."
"We live in a world of ghosts. We can't escape them. We can only try to understand them."
Anil's Ghost Key Points
Identity and Memory
The book explores how the characters' identities are shaped by their past experiences and memories.
The Impact of War
The book highlights the devastating impact of war on individuals and society, and the struggle for justice and reconciliation in its aftermath.
Cultural and Political Differences
The book delves into the complexities of cultural and political differences and their impact on individuals and society.