Yann Martel exemplifies how to write a story. I kept forgetting that this was a fictional book with the detail and intricacy of the storytelling. And believability is a significant factor for this novel due to the pure absurdity of the plot!

However, this book isn?t just great because it is convincing; it is also touching. I am convinced that it is impossible to not love Pi Patel. I followed him through a journey, watched him transform, and cheered for his triumphs.

My only complaint with the book gives away the ending, so highlight the text if you have read the book, otherwise it will spoil the ending? I found myself unmotivated to read the last part after he reaches land. The rest of the book kept me turning one page after another. But I felt that once he reached land there was no purpose to continue reading.

I would highly recommend this book. It is so imaginative and beautiful, yet still mature and philosophical, that it is difficult to put down.

note:
below is a link to an interactive video file for the book. It is interesting and shows a little bit about the style and atmosphere of the book while not giving away the plot.


Pi Patel, a God-loving boy and the son of a zookeeper, has a fervent love of stories and practicies not only his native Hinduism, but also Christianity and Islam. His family and their zoo animals emigrate from India to North America. Alas, the ship sinks- and Pi finds himself in a lifeboat, with a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Can Pi and the tiger find their way to land?

Entry Filed under: 4.0 stars, books
May 15th, 2005