'English Patient' Author to Visit UW

February 15, 2008 — Michael Ondaatje, author of "The English Patient," will visit the University of Wyoming next month, as a guest of the Department of English L.L. Smith Lectureship and the International Studies Scholar Lecture Series.

The Canadian writer will speak at 5 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the Wyoming Union ballroom, reading from his work and taking questions from the audience. A reception and book signing follows in the Family Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Ondaatje will join a lunchtime conversation about his writing on Tuesday, March 4, at the Albany County Public Library from noon-1:30 p.m. Seating will be limited. Call (307) 721-2580 (ext. 5456) or e-mail albypr@will.state.wy.us to reserve seating.

Other events planned for Ondaatje's visit will include book discussions of "The English Patient" and a screening of the Academy Award-winning film.

Though best known as a novelist, Ondaatje also works in poetry and film. He has written several award-winning works, including his latest novel, "Divisadero," which was released in 2007.

Ondaatje's visit is made possible by the UW Office of the President, Albany County Public Library, the College of Arts and Sciences, UW Libraries, Academic Affairs, and the MFA Visiting Writer Series.

The English Department L.L. Smith Lecture Series brings notable writers and public figures to UW to engage in discussion with the state and university communities. Past guests have included Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Next fall, the lecture series will welcome novelist and essayist Salman Rushdie.

The International Studies Scholars Lecture Series was established with funding by a Department of Education grant with the intention of bringing scholars and lecturers to UW and the state whose work is internationally-focused. The lecture series has been sustained by the support of private donors.

For more information, visit the English department's Web site at www.uwyo.edu/english.