Michael Ondaatje

Join Lindsay Mahon Rathnam, a political theory professor; Clifford Orwin, a historian of political thought; Joel Alden Schlosser, a political science chair; and acclaimed novelist Michael Ondaatje for an engaging discourse on Herodotus. They explore how he masterfully blends storytelling with cultural inquiry, the revolutionary nature of his prose, and the importance of historical narratives in understanding conflict. The discussion touches on his gentle skepticism, the art of political storytelling, and the lessons Herodotus holds for contemporary democracies.

Michael Ondaatje, the Sri Lankan-born Canadian essayist, poet, and Booker Prize winner, shares insights on his latest poetry collection, 'A Year of Last Things.' He reflects on the joy of rediscovering poetry at 80, describing writing as a personal journey through memory and grief. Ondaatje discusses the physicality of the writing process, his emotional experiences during the pandemic, and how poetry serves as a connection to loss. He emphasizes the evolution of his craft, highlighting the intimacy and exploration found in the act of creating.

Scottish poet Don Paterson discusses his new memoir 'Toy Fights' with NPR's Scott Simon, highlighting his descent into madness and the absence of his poems in the book. Then, Simon talks to Booker Prize-winning poet Michael Ondaatje about his book 'A Year of Last Things' and the fluidity between fiction and poetry.