Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a genre of its own. Haled a modern classic, it truly lives up to the hype. Written by Yann Martel, the story follows the survival of Pi, an Indian boy who is stranded in the Pacific after the Japanese cargo boat headed to America sinks. Finding himself suddenly orphaned, Pi's predicament is further complicated by the zoo animals that take refuge from the wreck in his life boat. One of these refuges is a 450 pound Bengal tiger.

The plot starts out leisurely with stop and start action, but that does not make it less riveting. If anything the slow thoughtful theme of the story deepens every action and brings home the impossible situation Pi is faced with. Pi's internal dialogue and revelations at sea are moving. This story provokes an infinite question that everyone has an opinion on. Is there a God? It would be hard to go through Pi's situation without the support of some type of faith. As Pi shows in the story, his faith is severely tested and at moments denied. The religious thoughts and questions brought up in Life of Pi are eye opening. It truly is a life altering story for those with an open mind.

The characters are few and unique. Pi's family is a big part of his life and the set up for the story, but the longer Pi is at sea, the more the mention of other characters dwindle. Richard Parker, a commanding presence on his own, is simplistically described. His personality is elaborated throughout the story by Pi.
Pi himself is an interesting character. He holds fast to his own beliefs and opinions. Yet is willing to grow and adopt other beliefs if they connect with his morals. A boy of science and faith, his perspective is anything but ordinary.

The incredible journey at sea is wrapped up with their rescue. Pi shares his experience with the authorities and anyone who will listen, but the majority are skeptical of his story. Richard Parker runs off into the forest is not heard from again. As the story closes, the surprising true facts about this event are described: There really was a boy who was lost at sea in the Pacific for 227 days, a Japanese cargo ship really sank at the same time and area as in the book, and this boy claimed he was at sea with a Bengal tiger the entire journey. This story leaves you feeling uncertain, maybe even hollow or uncomfortable. It leaves you with a big question, and a sense that more exists in this world than we comprehend.

What are your thoughts on this out of the box novel?

Enigma