TIFA Presents an Evening with Michael Ondaatje in conversation with Amitava Kumar

TIFA Presents a special event with the award-winning and much-loved author and poet, Michael Ondaatje, in conversation with writer, journalist and academic, Amitava Kumar, marking the publication of Ondaatje’s new Selected Poems, The Distance of a Shout.

Michael Ondaatje has assembled some of his finest poems to create a singular poetic memoir that invokes the arc of his own journey over fifty years from the youthful “storm of music’ to the calm of later. Beginning with memories of his childhood in Sri Lanka and his eccentric family, to his life in rural southern Ontario offers a profound understanding of how we lose and find ourselves, and a glimpse into the interwoven life and art of one of our most cherished poets and novelists.

Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Flying Books. There will not be a book signing. 
Pre-signed copies of The Distance of a Shout will be available for purchase.

Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada

TIFA Presents 2025-2026 Season is generously supported by Presenting Donors Beth Nowers and Jack Curtin.