On the plane, I found a lady who is a lawyer and a graduate of Wharton Business School. I asked her what book she was reading and she showed me this book saying that it was by the same author who wrote the English Patient. I was intrigued by the reading choice of such an accomplished lady and here I am trying to read the book....... ...will write my comment about the book after I read it!

Jan 24 2013, I chose to read this as it was the first book to win the "Canada Reads" in 2002. I have heard so much about it, that I finally decided to give it a go. Starting it today, hope I enjoy it, as my last book didn't live up to my expectations. (The Follow by Linda Spalding)(hmm....Linda Spalding seems to be Michael Ondaatje's partner.....and I chose to read their books back to back without knowing that....spooky!)......Jan 24, end of the day, I am really into this book! (Pg 64, and want to read more, but gotta get to bed!).......Jan 27, finished today, but after the first half, I kinda got lost, and never really found my way back again. It was beautifully written, but ziiiiiiiippppp, went over my head!

I liked the story. It was my first book that I read by Ondaatje. I like the discription of the bulding of the water plant.

Interesting juxtaposition of images set in historic Toronto and Muskoka during the 1920s and 1930s. Flawed and compelling characters. A great story that tries to capture the immigrant experience.

Great story. Had to read it for my class, but re-read it after the course was finished.

Some beautiful writing, but novel doesn't hang together well... difficult to follow a disjointed story line.

Beautifully written, set in Toronto

Not an impressive book.