RUNNING IN THE FAMILY

by Michael Ondaatje
 
I’m sure I picked this book up, bought it and then decided to read it because I loved The English Patient, Ondaatje’s breakout novel.  When I love a book by an author, I often want to read others that s/he has written.  But here’s something I’ve come to realize about books written prior to the author’s breakout book:  they are often not nearly as good.  That’s what I found withRunning In The Family.  Although the cover blurb promises “an inspired marriage of travel narrative and family memoir,” I found it disjointed, episodic and not at all engaging.  Despite his reputation as one of Canada’s most renowned living authors, I ‘d recommend you pass on Running In The Family. (Liz)