The English Patient is a melancholy, poetic novel which relies heavily on a rhythmic mesmerizing narrative to get you through the book.

And let me tell you, the literary push on this book can be hard going. The premise of the book is an anonymous patient, his nurse, her fathers friend and a ring in. They weave in and out of perspective, Building a framework of love, lust, post traumatic stress and resilience.

I found the prose beautiful to be sure, but difficult to empathize with the characters, as you never obtain a firm understanding of their motivations and sensitivities in order to appreciate their failings and triumphs.