The English Patient

by Michael Ondaatje

Such a huge fan of the movie, knew the book would be exceptional -- and it was.
The author has such an unusual way with words, odd sentence fragments and rambles. But it totally works.
The book takes place prior to and in the waning days of WWII. There is an odd assortment of characters -- a petty thief who is also a drug addict, a nurse traumatized by life, an Indian bomb disposal expert who tries to live his life by holding himself apart, and a scientist fatally burned an an accident.
They all hole up an a wrecked villa and their lives prior out spill out in little rivulets, over time.

Loved, loved. loved. this book.