Scan barcode
A review by blau_elmo
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This entire book is an allegory to the question of religion: does God exist?
The author, or rather, Pi, presents how in the case where there's no evidence to prove two possible stories, is it not more hopeful and positive to belief in the one with less morbid and gruesome details, given that it does not change the way we experience existence in the first place?
In the case that we are not interested in pursuing the truth, or when the truth does not matter, yes, his view is valid and I agree. But in the case of discussing existence, I feel like knowing the nature of the universe is important for our understanding of physics and philosophy itself, to solve actual, worldly problems. It is not just a matter of the soul, because the soul is not mutually exclusive from human experience, and consequently the studies of philosophy, the physical sciences etc. Empirical data means a lot, and to present this narrative of potentially muddling the truth is rather contentious in my opinion.
Nevertheless, the adventure Pi goes on is riveting, chock full of metaphors, allegories and hidden meanings that can only be uncovered upon closer analysis, or a second read.
The author, or rather, Pi, presents how in the case where there's no evidence to prove two possible stories, is it not more hopeful and positive to belief in the one with less morbid and gruesome details, given that it does not change the way we experience existence in the first place?
In the case that we are not interested in pursuing the truth, or when the truth does not matter, yes, his view is valid and I agree. But in the case of discussing existence, I feel like knowing the nature of the universe is important for our understanding of physics and philosophy itself, to solve actual, worldly problems. It is not just a matter of the soul, because the soul is not mutually exclusive from human experience, and consequently the studies of philosophy, the physical sciences etc. Empirical data means a lot, and to present this narrative of potentially muddling the truth is rather contentious in my opinion.
Nevertheless, the adventure Pi goes on is riveting, chock full of metaphors, allegories and hidden meanings that can only be uncovered upon closer analysis, or a second read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Death