Michael Ondaatje

Novelist

Birthday September 12, 1943

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace Sri Lanka

Age 81 years old

#249,246 Most Popular

About

A popular Canadian author, he is best known for his Booker Prize-winning novel, The English Patient. His other works include Coming Through Slaughter and Anil's Ghost (novels) and The Dainty Monsters and The Cinnamon Peeler (poetry collections).

Before Fame

He studied at Bishop's College School and Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec, and later received his bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto.

Trivia

His 2007 novel, Divisadero, received the prestigious Governor General's Award.

Family Life

He was born in Sri Lanka; before becoming a Canadian citizen, he lived in England for a decade. With his wife, Linda Spalding, he had two children.

Associated With

His novel, The English Patient, was made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Ralph Fiennes.