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Book Review of Life of Pi

Life of Pi
Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
bookwormbelle avatar reviewed on + 16 more book reviews


This was recommended to me by a friend, and I kept postponing this book. Once i sat down to read it, I was angry at myself for having waited so long to open it! Martel is a master storyteller, as is the main character, Pi Patel. An Indian boy who practices three different faiths (he's a Hindu, a Muslim and a Catholic) finds his spirit tested when a shipwreck leaves him stuck on a boat with an unhinged hyena, an injured zebra, a loving orangutan, and an adult male Bengal tiger. Yes, a freakin' tiger. Most of the book is just Pi trying to stay alive. A great parable of sorts, with many layers to unravel (but not so deep that you're left scratching your head or searching Sparknotes for the symbolism you may have missed). The last 30 pages will blow your mind, making you want to read the whole story again with new perspective. A great read, don't put this book off!