The English Patient facts for kids
The English Patient is a famous 1992 novel written by Michael Ondaatje. The story brings together different people at an old Italian villa during the World War II in Italy.
The main characters in the book are: an English man who has been badly burned, his Canadian Army nurse, a Sikh British Army sapper (an engineer soldier), and a Canadian thief. The book won several important awards, including the 1992 Booker Prize, the 2018 Golden Man Booker, and the Governor General's Award.
Contents
About the Story
The novel is set during the last parts of World War II. It focuses on four people who find themselves together in a damaged villa. Each character has their own secrets and past experiences.
The Characters
The main characters are:
- The English Patient: This is the name given to the burned man. He has lost his memory and is cared for by the nurse.
- Hana: She is a kind Canadian Army nurse who looks after the English patient. She is tired of the war and seeks peace.
- Kip: A brave Sikh British Army sapper. He is an expert at finding and removing bombs. He forms a special bond with Hana.
- Caravaggio: A Canadian thief who knows the English patient from before the war. He tries to uncover the patient's true identity.
Setting the Scene
The story takes place in a quiet, ruined villa in Italy. This isolated place becomes a safe haven for the characters. Here, they share their stories and try to heal from the war's effects. The villa itself feels like a character, holding many memories.
Awards and Recognition
The English Patient is a highly praised book. It won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1992, which is a major award for novels written in English. Later, in 2018, it also won the Golden Man Booker award. This special award celebrated the best novel from the past 50 years of the Booker Prize. The book also received the Governor General's Award, a top literary prize in Canada.
Images for kids
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Villa San Girolamo in Fiesole (Florence)
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Triumph 3HW 350cc motorcycle used by Kip in the novel
See also
In Spanish: El paciente inglés (novela) para niños
