"Sometimes when she is able to spend the night with him they are wakened by the three minarets of the city beginning their prayers before dawn. He walks with her through the indigo markets that lie between South Cairo and her home. The beautiful songs of faith enter the air like arrows, one minaret answering another, as if passing on a rumour of the two of them as they walk through the cold morning air, the smell of charcoal and hemp already making the air profound. Sinners in a holy city."
From The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje.
Sure paints a picture in your head, doesn't it?
Posted by: Jennifer | 19 October 2009 at 03:47 AM
Ondaatje's words and stories haunted me for some time after I read them. "Anils' Ghost" was also very good. Rohinton Mistry is another fine writer we are proud to call Canadian.
Posted by: Lisa W | 19 October 2009 at 11:51 PM
I loved the film version of "The English Patient" and was pleased to discover the book was different, deeper, better and conjured up just as many breathtaking visuals as the movie. Also the strong anti-war angle was weakened in the film, I think. Have not read any others of his but now you've got me thinking. Every time I visit, my list grows!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | 20 October 2009 at 03:01 AM