I’ve recently read “The English Patient” by Michael Ondaatje. Even though I really liked “In the skin of a lion” I can’t say the same thing about this one. I don’t mean to say anything bad about it. It is probably a good book. What this does show is that it is generally a good idea that I did not do a literature degree. I find that books either speak to me or don’t. This may or may not have anything to do with the quality of book. I can read a perfectly excellent book such as “Jane Eyre” and be annoyed at it. Or I can read strips on Spamusement and think it a poignant reflection of our times. But, let’s return to the “English Patient”. It is a romantic book. As such it set the mood and developed characters really well. I wish I could have enjoyed it more but my practical nature would not have allowed it.