Ragas of Longing

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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.