This was the second book chosen for my book club. It was an extremely good book and one I don't think I would have ever read if not for the book club. The story touches on so many aspects: science, religion, zoology, survival techniques. Its quite a story interlaced with good philosophies. For those who don't know this book is about a sixteen year old boy who is the only one to survive a shipwreck on a lifeboat with several zoo animals one of which being a tiger. It tells the story of how he is able to co-exist with this tiger and face all the dangers of the sea. It was really exciting to read.
Now there was a debate at my book club whether or not this was a true story. I don't think it is even though there is an author's note and everything (that was my roommate's point). I have read and heard of several books who use this trick to make their books more interesting. And I have found an article written by the author talking about how he came up with the story. If you have read the book, you should read this article. It was very interesting.
Yann Martel is an excellent writer. Though this book can be graphic and intense at times he also mingles in some comedy that relieves the stress you feel. Also, I love his defense of zoos. How they have become so unpopular nowadays with animal rights activists and he compares it to religion in that being against either is to have an illusion of freedom. Having the main character practice three religions at the same time was quite funny and inspirational.
Not to ruin anything but if anyone who has read this book sees you reading this book they will almost always say "The end is so good. There's a real twist." Now when I got to the end I didn't have a "oh my gosh" moment. I just thought it was interesting. Maybe because I had high expectations or something. The end is very interesting and the reader is asked to make an internal choice. My book club was split on the choice. I believed the second choice. Maybe because I am more negative towards the human race. Still this book makes you think. Now on to some of my favorite quotes:
As he realizes that the tiger is still on board and fully takes it in here is Pi's thought (one of the funny quotes):
"You might think I lost all hope at that point. I did. And as a result I perked up and felt much better."
"Some of us give up on life with only a resigned sigh. Others fight a little, then lose hope. Still others--and I am one of those--never give up. We fight and fight and fight. We fight no matter the cost of battle, the losses we take, the improbability of success. We fight to the very end. It's not a question of courage. It's something more constitutional, and inability to let go. It may be nothing more than life-hungry stupidity."
"It is simple and brutal: a person can get used to anything, even to killing."
9 comments:
I read this book and liked it a lot. I didn't, however, care for the ending. As I think back on it, I think that I actually felt a little betrayed. Also, I hate the whole 'is it real or not' game that some books play. Be true to what you are, books, don't play games.
Apparently, I've developed my opinion about the end over time. I posted a comment on my blog about it that made no mention of my sense of betrayel:
http://www.furiousblog.com/archives/170-Ive-been-sick....html#comments
Wow, Cassie, I wish I could have been at your book club. When I read this book, I loved the first part with the different religious. I thought Pi was quite adept in blending them in his personal philosophy. I didn't like the time in the boat and I didn't understand the end. I knew there had to be deep symbolism involved, but I just didn't get it. Having read the interview with the author, I gained some insight. I think I'm going to take Life of Pi off my hate list, thanks to your review. I may even have to reread it.
Sounds interesting. I think I have it on my list and may get to it in the next ten years. The list is unbelievable and I just found some more interesting books to read on one of Booklogged's links.
There were a lot of other good quotes too but they were kind of long. Most of the people in my book club wanted to believe in the main text of the book instead of his other story to the japanese guys. But I guess for me the book wasn't about the end like people had made it out to be. It was everything before it. All in all a good read if nothing else.
Ben, I understand your feeling betrayed. I think people in my book club felt the same way so they decided to just ignore the ending. And I also hate the real or not real game. I was really bummed out when I found out Memoirs of a Geisha wasn't real. Our next book that we are reading may be the same way but the girls who recommended it swear that its a true story but you'll have to wait for my review.
Cassie, you're not even going to tell us the title of the book?
BTW - Love the poem by Poe. I don't read a lot of poetry, so I appreciate the occasional dose.
Thanks booklogged. I've kind of been slacking on updating the poem every week but I'll get it done eventually.
I enjoyed Life of Pi a lot. It made me ask more questions of myself than few books ever have. I laughed, squirmed, agitated and pondered over this one for a long time after finishing it.
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