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Michael Ondaatje

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 31 Books

4
Series
31
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Coming Through Slaughter (1976)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: The Dainty Monsters (1967)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Conversations (2002)

About Michael Ondaatje

Michael Ondaatje is a reputed novelist from Sri Lanka living in Canada. He is known to be a popular filmmaker, editor, poet, and fiction writer as well. Author Ondaatje has received several prestigious literary awards in his career, including the Prix Medicis Etranger, Booker Prize, Governor General Award, and the Giller Prize. Ondaatje is recognized among the most famous living authors of Canada as he is Order of Canada’s Officer. The writing career of author Ondaatje started in 1967 with poetry. He went on to publish Daily Monsters and then wrote a critically acclaimed collection in 1970. Recently, author Ondaatje is mainly recognized for the nationally & internationally successful book called English Patient. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Michael Ondaatje has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Michael Ondaatje

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 1976–2018
1

Coming Through Slaughter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Coming Through Slaughter, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1976
2

Running in the Family

Running in the Family is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1982
3

In the Skin of a Lion

In the Skin of a Lion continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
4

The English Patient

The English Patient is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1992
5

Anil's Ghost

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Anil's Ghost, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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2000
6

Divisadero

Divisadero is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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2007
7

The Cat's Table

The Cat's Table continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
8

Warlight

Conflict and courage define Warlight, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Michael Ondaatje that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2018
Publication Order of Collections
13 books 1967–2024
1

The Dainty Monsters

The Dainty Monsters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1967
2

The Collected Works of Billy the Kid

The Collected Works of Billy the Kid is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1970
3

The Broken Ark

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Broken Ark, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1971
4

There's a Trick with a Knife I'm Learning to Do

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with There's a Trick with a Knife I'm Learning to Do, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1979
5

Rat Jelly

Rat Jelly is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1980
6

Tin Roof

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Tin Roof, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1982
7

Secular Love

Secular Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Collections series by Michael Ondaatje.

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1985
8

The Cinnamon Peeler

The Cinnamon Peeler continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
9

Previous Canoes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Previous Canoes, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1994
10

Handwriting

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Handwriting, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1998
11

Vintage Ondaatje

Vintage Ondaatje continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
12

The Story

The Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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2005
13

A Year of Last Things

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Year of Last Things, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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2024
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2002–2002
1

The Conversations

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Conversations, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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2002
Publication Order of Anthologies
9 books 1989–2019
1

Brushes With Greatness: An Anthology of Chance Encounters With Greatness

Brushes With Greatness: An Anthology of Chance Encounters With Greatness continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
2

From Ink Lake

From Ink Lake is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1990
3

The Faber Book of Contemporary Canadian Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Faber Book of Contemporary Canadian Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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1990
4

The Brick Reader

The Brick Reader is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Ondaatje have come to expect.

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1995
5

PEN America Issue 4: Fact/Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with PEN America Issue 4: Fact/Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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2002
6

The Scotiabank Giller Prize 15 Years: An Anthology of Prize-Winning Canadian Fiction.

The Scotiabank Giller Prize 15 Years: An Anthology of Prize-Winning Canadian Fiction. continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
7

Fathers: A Literary Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fathers: A Literary Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Michael Ondaatje.

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2011
8

A London Address

A London Address continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
9

Reel Verse

Reel Verse continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Ondaatje's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Ondaatje?

Michael Ondaatje is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 31 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Michael Ondaatje series to start with?

For readers new to Michael Ondaatje's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 8 books. Begin with Coming Through Slaughter to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Michael Ondaatje written?

Michael Ondaatje has written over 31 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Michael Ondaatje books in order?

Yes, reading Michael Ondaatje's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Michael Ondaatje write in?

Michael Ondaatje writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 31 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Michael Ondaatje's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Michael Ondaatje's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Michael Ondaatje's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Michael Ondaatje's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Coming Through Slaughter, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.