The English Patient could be a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on character development. The book's unique appeal lies in the way it weaves the love story of the titular character with the backdrop of the Second World War, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the impact of trauma. The poetic prose and vivid imagery make for a powerful and immersive reading experience that stays with the reader long after the last page.

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• Booker Prize (1992)
• Governor General's Literary Awards / Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général for Fiction (1992)
• Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book in Caribbean and Canada (1993)
• Trillium Book Award (1993)
• Golden Man Booker Prize (2018)

The final curtain is closing on the Second World War, and Hana, a nurse, stays behind in an abandoned Italian villa to tend to her only remaining patient. Rescued by Bedouins from a burning plane, he is English, anonymous, damaged beyond recognition and haunted by his memories of passion and betrayal. The only clue Hana has to his past is the one thing he clung on to through the fire – a copy of The Histories by Herodotus, covered with hand-written notes describing a painful and ultimately tragic love affair.

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