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hannahmartinez's review against another edition
2.0
Uncomfortably gory, and I disliked how the book portrayed religion as spirituality without intellect. This made the final chapters, which are supposed to be thought provoking, feel cheap
snowreo's review against another edition
4.0
Potential spoilers below!
Review updated 8/9/18:
I read this book for my AP Literature class and I have to say, after coming off of The Scarlet Letter and Pride and Prejudice (shutters), I was not expecting much. However, Life of Pi really surprised me and I have to say that it was my favorite book to read for that class.
Life of Pi tells the story of a boy named Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel from Pondicherry. In his teenage years, his parents decide to move to give their children a better life. However, the cargo ship they are on sinks, killing both his parents and his older brother. Stranded in the middle of the ocean with a Bengal tiger, Pi must find the strength within himself to survive and make it to shore.
Having deeply analyzed the narrative for class, I've come to have a deep appreciation for this novel. Its themes and the main character, Pi Patel, are what knock it out of the park for me.
T H E M E S
Religion and its place in the world are important all throughout the novel. Very early on, Pi has a deep love for spirituality and belief. Having been born into Hinduism, he also comes to practice Islam and Christianity. When faced with having to choose just one, he responds with "I just want to love God." This belief comes into question many times throughout, such as when he faces a huge storm or hunger. However, it is Pi's belief in a higher purpose that gives him the strength and hope needed to survive. It also provides him a way to keep himself busy so he does not succumb to awful thoughts.
An additional theme is the nature of storytelling and the belief in stories itself. For anyone who has not read the book and does not want to be spoiled, do not read this spoiler section! For anyone who has read the novel or does not mind being spoiled, continue if you dare!
M A I N C H A R A C T E R
Pi is so full of personality and although he is portrayed to be a good person, he has his flaws. It makes him so interesting to follow because even though you think he may react one way, he may react a completely different way. Additionally, he allows the reader to see parts of his life and how they impact his decisions. Overall, Pi is just a cool dude.
C O N S/F I N A L T H O U G H T S
The one thing that bothered me about Life of Pi is that in certain parts, not a lot happens. There are sometimes ten chapter intervals where all Pi does is describe injuries, various thoughts, and how many supplies he has. It makes sense for this book - as what are you really going to do in the middle of the ocean - but I'm just the type of person who likes a lot of action and dialogue.
However, I have a deep admiration for this book and I recommend it for anyone who is thinking about reading it.
vase_of_bubbles's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I went to watch the show for this book an hour after I finished reading it and I can confirm that the book is better
osamatheauthor's review against another edition
4.0
3.75/5
Perhaps, I have extra sentiments for the survival of this life. The character of Pi paints a picture of instinctual war. And most importantly, we all need one tiger in our lives that helps us become stronger despite the chaotic emotions we hold for them.
Perhaps, I have extra sentiments for the survival of this life. The character of Pi paints a picture of instinctual war. And most importantly, we all need one tiger in our lives that helps us become stronger despite the chaotic emotions we hold for them.
jobustitch's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this as a book on tape and found myself really engrossed in the story. Like the main character Pi, I couldn't stop thinking about Richard Parker. Pi found the tiger to be his greatest worry and his greatest blessing. I found this book to be uplifting and enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone.
irfan3's review against another edition
4.0
I'm interested with Life of Pi since it launched its movie version. I read the synopsis of the movie, and I thought that the story all too usual. It's just a story of survival and lonesome journey. When I heard that the book won a Man Booker Prize, I'm starting to look again at the book. I read the review and decided that I need to read the book. So here's my honest review.
In the first one quarter of the book, the story is so interesting. It set in a French India town named Pondicherry in the late half of the twentieth century. The short length of the chapter really engaged me to read more and more. Piscine Molitor Patel (Pi), the protagonist is a son of the owner of a zoo, and he spent his childhood with animals. I got some insight and many valuable lessons on religion, zoology, and the culture of India. Some of which we didn't get at any text book at school. The writing style is flowing as my brain trying to decode the text. The nature of the zoo and Pondicherry really captivates me, as I really admire India as a place full of bliss and religious life.
On the later part of the book. When Pi has no one but Richard Parker to talk to, is a real boring part. There are no dialogues at all. You can only find dialogues in the first quarter of the book. The later part consisted of only description, exposition, and action. Which because of Yann Martell's eloquent writing style, can still force me to finish the book. I learned many things about the sea and animal life. Which is one of the reason why I read novels, to learn as much as possible about anything with as much fun.
If you have spare time and you are looking for a unique read, read Life of Pi. The moral of the story is, continue to live; it is a gift from God; never give up; look everything in everyone's point of view; even from the eyes of a tiger; and live a life, make a step worth a story. :)
In the first one quarter of the book, the story is so interesting. It set in a French India town named Pondicherry in the late half of the twentieth century. The short length of the chapter really engaged me to read more and more. Piscine Molitor Patel (Pi), the protagonist is a son of the owner of a zoo, and he spent his childhood with animals. I got some insight and many valuable lessons on religion, zoology, and the culture of India. Some of which we didn't get at any text book at school. The writing style is flowing as my brain trying to decode the text. The nature of the zoo and Pondicherry really captivates me, as I really admire India as a place full of bliss and religious life.
On the later part of the book. When Pi has no one but Richard Parker to talk to, is a real boring part. There are no dialogues at all. You can only find dialogues in the first quarter of the book. The later part consisted of only description, exposition, and action. Which because of Yann Martell's eloquent writing style, can still force me to finish the book. I learned many things about the sea and animal life. Which is one of the reason why I read novels, to learn as much as possible about anything with as much fun.
If you have spare time and you are looking for a unique read, read Life of Pi. The moral of the story is, continue to live; it is a gift from God; never give up; look everything in everyone's point of view; even from the eyes of a tiger; and live a life, make a step worth a story. :)
gooddogvegas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0