"The last three books are much more a case of a moment of history, what happened almost by accident or coincidence, like being in the same elevator or lifeboat"

This quote by Michael Ondaatje talks to the idea that life is full of unforeseen moments and coincidences. He suggests that the last 3 books he has composed are a reflection of this idea, as they are a representation of a moment in history that occurred practically by chance. Ondaatje is suggesting that life has plenty of unforeseen moments, which these minutes can be caught in literature. He is also recommending that these minutes can be as little as remaining in the exact same elevator or lifeboat, but that they can still have an extensive impact on our lives. Ondaatje's quote speaks to the concept that life has plenty of surprises, and that these minutes can be recorded in literature. He is recommending that these minutes can be as little as being in the exact same elevator or lifeboat, but that they can still have a profound effect on our lives. Ondaatje's quote is a reminder that life has lots of unanticipated minutes, and that these minutes can be recorded in literature.