Life of Pi 65
By Yann Martel Fiction, Harvest Books; 2001 ISBN: 0156027321 I feel I must preface this review a little with the following statement: This book came highly recommended in the context of books that impart life lessons, etc. I enjoy that...
By Yann Martel
Fiction, Harvest Books; 2001
ISBN: 0156027321
I feel I must preface this review a little with the following statement: This book came highly recommended in the context of books that impart life lessons, etc. I enjoy that type of book and so I picked up a copy (actually 7 audio cassettes) from the local library.
The book started out well, being something that was in part a defense of zoos and in part a study on the three major world religions: Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. I was quite interested and was looking forward to how the story would play out.
Unfortunately, after a huge change of course one-third of the way through, Life of Pi quickly becomes something very different. Even then, though, I expected good things, as the scene was now set for some incredible, life changing events. With the main character, Pi, uniquely prepared for accepting the challenges that now faced him — armed with extensive knowledge of both zoology and religion. But the wise words and perspective-changing story never materialized.
I listened intently as the author became, in equal part, more tedious and more gruesome in his descriptions of Pi’s predicament. As his (and increasingly my own) ordeal went on, I felt less and less endeared to Pi and more and more disappointed with the book. Maybe the insights were too subtle — I am open to the idea that perhaps I am just too dense to get it — your mileage may vary.
For me, Life of Pi is the book equivalent of the movie, The Sixth Sense, in that it was an above average story until the "twist" at the end that it relies upon to trick people into thinking it was better than it actually was.
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