How has growing up in the context of Australia in the latter part of the twentieth century influenced your reading, or, the meaning for you, of “In the Skin of a Lion”?

How has growing up in the context of Australia in the latter part of the twentieth century influenced your reading, or, the meaning for you, of “In the Skin of a Lion”?
By Matt Semmler

“In the Skin of a Lion”, by Michael Ondaatje, is a text that when read from different perspectives, takes on an entirely new meaning. The subject matter within the novel is influenced by the readers own unique past and experiences, and is therefore interpreted differently by said readers. My own reading of “In the Skin of a Lion” has been influenced greatly by many different things, for example, my parent’s occupations, my upbringing, where I live/d, economic situation, social class, travelling, cultural background, world events (1986-2003) and religion. A post-colonial reading of “In the Skin of a Lion” reflects some of these influences, and shuns away from others.

My upbringing was an extremely religious one. Both of my parents were avid churchgoers, with their commitment to th...