Ondaatje's “Running in the family” is an elaborate representation of the author's unique perspective and identity. Ondaatje's identity is represented by his unique desire to present his memories in irrational and imaginary themes, and by his subject matter of representing the natural characteristics of his ancestors. “Running in the family” is a fictionalized memoir, written by Michael Ondaaji. Michael Ondaatje is a writer of Ceylonese origin. Due to his parents' divorce, he was forced to leave his hometown with his mother at a young age. After living in Canada for twenty-five years, he decides to visit Ceylon; and learn about his family and ancestors. The memoir represents glimpses into the author's family history. It features the story of the author's great-grandfather, who is an immigrant doctor. He describes his grandfather, a wealthy lawyer, and his extravagant grandmother Lalla. Additionally, it contains more stories from the author's childhood. It focuses predominantly on the author's parental conflict. Indicates the father's dipsomania and loneliness; as well as his mother's suffering. Ondaatje aims to transform the reader from the rigid realm of factual certainty to the realm of subjective and imaginative perception. It intends to capture the reader in his thoughts and ideas; and forces the reader to look at the truth from Ondaatje's eyes. It captures the reader inside a chaotic thought process. Uses a variety of random incomplete stories. Ondaatje encourages the reader not to question “what really happened,” but rather to question the method by which the author thought it happened. The author's perception and thinking are the main construction of his character; therefore, it is the core of the author...... middle of paper ......mixture of a huge variety of ethnic groups. He highlights his parents' habit of dramatizing events in their lives, and then connects it directly to his desire to add life to the frozen stories of his family members. Ondaatje believes that these characteristics influenced him in one way or another and shaped his unique nature. In conclusion, Ondaatje writes his memoir, “Running in the family” to reflect to the reader different angles and corners of his identity. Ondaatje does not aim to represent impartial and absolute facts; rather, he chooses to reflect his perspective and thoughts to readers. These thoughts may not be logical or absolute; however, they allow the reader to see with the author's eyes and think with the author's mind. He gives a glimpse of his family traits; to show the complex components of his identity.