Ragas of Longing

Exploring the intricate relationship between Michael Ondaatje's life and his poetry, this study delves into his six volumes, connecting them to various poetic traditions. It highlights Ondaatje's development as a poet, his thematic concerns, and his literary influences, including his work on Leonard Cohen and Edwin Muir. Solecki posits that Ondaatje's poetry forms a cohesive personal canon, shaped by significant life events such as family separation and exile, resulting in a body of work that is both humorously engaging and deeply tragic, reflecting a post-Christian, postmodern vision.