Life of Pi by Yann Martel Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Life of Pi
Book Review: Captivating and Original
Summary: 5 Stars
I tend to be a sucker for Booker winners. But this time I am richly rewarded.Nothing is predictable about Life of Pi and yet it is so beautifully written that, whilst the ideas challenge, it is possible to read the book in one sitting, as I did.
Dare to believe that this can be a true story and you will find yourself transported into a world that makes our constant worry about the world pale into insignificance, against a tale of bravery, respect and the investigation of our moral selves.
This is great writing that should leave you questioning everything you ever felt about what is important in the world.
Read it and learn.
Book Review: The Alternative
Summary: 5 Stars
Either I am getting senile or there are a lot of people missing part of the point about this quite remarkable book.There is an alternative narration of the events - one that makes a lot of sense of the fantasy - and makes this into a quite 'realistic' tale. I won't reveal it - but do buy the book and find it for yourself.
This certainly didn't make me believe in anything other than the heights that a fantastic narration can take the human imagination, and the depths to which the human body sometimes sinks. All the talk of gods is something of a distraction.
The tiger in the boat is a fantasy - but who created it?
Book Review: SIMPLICITY IS THE SECRET
Summary: 5 Stars
The Booker Prize was awarded to this book shortly after I read it.Despite the sea voyage being, quite rightly, the important part of the book I found myself enjoying the 100 or so pages leading up to it just as much. The self-description of Pi's life in India was wonderful and packed with discoveries for the reader. It actually came as a bit of a disappointment when he got on the ship for Canada.
The book's write-up provided the main appeal for me, especially the assertion that it would make you believe in God. Well, as it turned out that was a bit ambitious, but I did draw great comfort from Pi's acceptance and practice of different faiths.
The secrets for me were the simplicity of the writing and the way I was drawn out of myself to a calmer, less complicated place.
It wasn't a book that I thought back on longingly for days and weeks afterwards, but at the time of reading it I did travel to a special place.
Book Review: Incredibly inventive and well written
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is brilliant and well deserved the Booker prize. Although it is appreciated by 'literary' folk, it is easy to read and not pretentious. The story is really fantastical and original, with very courageous invention and a wide scope of subjects touched on. Many people say it makes them believe in God, but I didn't really see how that could be the case, although religion is one of the topics explored. I found it provoked more thoughts about animals and nature - and humans' part in it - than it did about God.
This is a story that you will keep thinking about for many weeks after you have finished it. I still can't decide if it should be seen as a fairy tale, as a 'true' piece of fiction, or as a madman's imaginings.
I would advise anyone to read this book, as it has good general appeal. But be warned, there are some quite gory bits, and the menagerie which Pi is cast adrift with are not your cuddly critters!
Book Review: One of the best books I have ever read...brilliant
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book for my sister's 15th birthday (at her request) and decided to read it out of curiosity. I was amazed! This book is hilarious (I laughed out loud many times), inspiring, sad, creative and stretches the boundaries of your imagination. I read the whole book in one day - could not put it down and did not want it to end! Will be reading it again to discover the deeper meanings. The character of Pi is instantly lovable and the plot totally original - this is a book that you will be urging your friends to read and then have long discussions with them about it!