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Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Read: for Book Club
Finished: 1/17/11
Rating: 9 out of 10
Publisher: Mariner Books
Pages: 326
Originally Published: 2001
Synopsis (from Publisher’s Weekly): The peripatetic Pi Patel spends a beguiling boyhood in Pondicherry, India, as the son of a zookeeper. Growing up beside the wild beasts, Pi gathers an encyclopedic knowledge of the animal world. In his 16th year, Pi sets sail with his family and some of their menagerie to start a new life in Canada. Halfway to Midway Island, the ship sinks into the Pacific, leaving Pi stranded on a life raft with a hyena, an orangutan, an injured zebra and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. After the beast dispatches the others, Pi is left to survive for 227 days with his large feline companion on the 26-foot-long raft, using all his knowledge, wits and faith to keep himself alive.
Overall Impression: This is quite the story. In an interview, Martell said he wanted to tell a Story (with a capital S), and I think he accomplished that. There is so very much to like about this book — the writing is lyrical and beautiful, the characters (both human and animal) are unique and three-dimensional, the plot flows gracefully between sleepy and fast-paced, and his descriptions of things and places truly make you feel like you are there. Still, I can see how there are readers out there who would not like this book at all. It’s absolutely gruesome in parts. Sometimes it feels hopeless. Sometimes it’s terrifying. But despite all of these things (and not being able to read it while eating), I thought Life of Pi was one of the best books I’ve read in recent memory. Our book club ended up talking about how the story Pi relates is a God-story (there is also a more corporeal story, but you’ll have to read to find out what I mean). And to me, that was the best part about the entire book. It did its part to renew my faith.
Positives: The writing blew me away. The way Pi relates to his faith and his lack of faith was beautiful. The tiger’s name is Richard Parker, which earns bonus points for awesomeness.
Negatives: There are some pretty gruesome things that happen and that Pi describes in detail. The queasy factor is fairly high for this one.
Other books I’ve read by Yann Martell: none
Other blogger opinions:
Amy (Rambling of a Librarian’s Assistant): “I have to say, I had high expectations. Part I, however, was indescribably boring. … Part II was phenomenal, so I would recommend it on that alone.”
Babette’s Book Blog: “While it may seem like the trials of a boy at sea with a tiger would get old quick, it doesn’t. Pi’s story is varied and engaging.”
Booklover Book Reviews: “Although there is often conjecture about novels that go on to win high profile awards such as the Man Booker Prize, in my opinion there should be no argument when it comes to this novel.”
