Running in the Family

Running in the Family is Michael Ondaatje's exquisite blend of memoir and historical portrait, painting a vivid picture of his family's past within the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka. The narrative begins with a haunting sense of longing and curiosity that compels the author to return to his homeland after spending twenty-five years in the starkly different climate of Ontario, Canada. What follows is a rich tapestry of memories, family lore, and uncovered truths, seamlessly woven together to reveal the complexities and eccentricities of the Ondaatje lineage.

Driven by a chaotic dream filled with tropical heat and the cacophony of barking dogs, Ondaatje embarks on a deeply personal journey to comprehend the family history that has shaped his life. He delves into the layers of his father's destructive alcoholism, the turbulent and often flamboyant lives of his ancestors, and the deeply ingrained traditions and societal expectations of Sri Lankan culture. Through a combination of rumour, anecdote, poetry, and recorded memories, he reconstructs the fragmented past with a meticulous attention to detail.

The memoir is a sensory immersion into the sights, sounds, and textures of Sri Lankan life. Ondaatje's prose vividly captures the exotic beauty of the island's landscape, from its lush foliage to the opalescent light that dances over its waters. His descriptions evoke the intense heat, the vibrant wildlife, and the culturally rich soundscape of his homeland, creating an evocative setting that is both enchanting and tumultuous.

As Ondaatje recounts the lives of a privileged yet eccentric older generation, he portrays a wide range of characters—each with their own blend of charm and tragedy. His narrative is replete with both adoration and critique, illuminating the patchwork of stories that define his family. He explores his own ghosts, reconciling his personal history with the broader narrative of his ancestors' lives, and grapples with how their legacies continue to influence his present.

Running in the Family is a poignant exploration of identity, heritage, and the passage of time. It is a remarkable achievement that transcends the traditional bounds of memoir, offering a kaleidoscopic view of family history that is at once intimate and universal. Through Ondaatje's masterful storytelling, readers are invited into a world where the past is ever-present, and the journey of self-discovery is beautifully intertwined with the rediscovery of one's roots.