Life of Pi discussion

Let me start by saying that I read this book out of necessity. I needed a book to read for my English class and Life of Pi was sitting on the shelf in room 419. I chose it randomly and just started reading. Typically, when one finishes a book that was read for school, the initial feeling is of relief that the mandatory reading is over. When I finished this book, I was overwhelmed with sadness, similar to the feeling of losing a friend. I felt like Pi Patel was a friend, and I knew that I would never hear from him again. This novel is unlike any other I’ve read in its ability to build a spiritual connection between reader and narrator. This is not just a story, it is a journey that the reader takes with the narrator. You embark on the journey as total strangers and finish knowing the entire, beautiful story of Pi Patel.

Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel is a very spiritual being. He is a practicing hindu, christian, and muslim all at the same time. It sounds ridiculous, but the way he explains it is very intriguing. The most impressive characteristic Pi has is his wisdom. His beliefs on life in general will make you question your own beliefs, and some of the things he says may stick with you for a very long time. Pi is originally from india. His father owned a zoo in Pondicherry, and Pi is very knowledgeable about the animals and nature in general. When Pi’s family decides to move to Canada, they load a boat with all the zoo animals (who are all heading to new zoos in America) and set off. The boat engine malfunctions, and that is how Pi ends up stuck on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific with a 450 pound beast.

This beast is Richard Parker, a bengal tiger whose name was mistakenly switched with that of the hunter who caught him. Pi and Richard Parker are a very unlikely team, but they learn to survive together on their 227 day struggle. Pi realizes early on that he needs Richard Parker to survive, and I think Richard Parker also knew that he needed Pi to survive. Pi shared his limited food resources with Richard Parker in an attempt to tame him, and the two divided the lifeboat into territories, reaching an understanding on where they could go and where they could not. The way they worked together was incredible for two living creatures who had no means of communication. I know from experience that lack of food and water can really drag a person down, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to live through what Pi Patel lived through. Pi’s determination and will to live are truly inspirational.

I absolutely loved this novel. I would recommend it to anyone because this story of overcoming adversity is universal. I think it would definitely be a good read for anyone interested in religion because of Pi’s views on spirituality. No character has ever fascinated me quite like Pi Patel. As the novel progresses, the reader falls in love with Pi and his story. Although I have not read many novels, this is by far the best one. Life of Pi is a must read.

I think it's one of the most significant books of the last fifty years. I read it a decade ago, and it's still lingering with me. Thanks for the excellent review of it.