"Running in the Family" by Michael Ondaatje is a memoir of the author's family history and his return to his native Sri Lanka, where he attempts to reconstruct the past and make sense of his family's complex and often turbulent relationships. The book is a blend of fact and fiction, with Ondaatje incorporating personal anecdotes, family stories, and historical events into a vivid and lyrical narrative. Through his exploration of his family's history, Ondaatje delves into the cultural, political, and social landscape of Sri Lanka, examining the country's colonial past and its post-independence struggles. The book also explores the themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling. "Running in the Family" is a beautifully written and evocative memoir that offers a unique perspective on Sri Lanka's history and culture.