When I worked in a bookshop some eight years ago I used to look at this book and think, “Nice cover. I should read this”. Yes, I judge books by their covers. Draw conclusions about me accordingly. Anyway, since then I haven’t ever got around to reading Life of Pi until last week when I saw a film is being made about it and, never happy having to watch the film before reading the book, I hurriedly purchased it on my Kindle and frantically devoured it in a matter of a few days. Needless to say I loved it.
What’s Life of Pi about?
Pi Patel, a young Indian boy with a zoo for a backyard and an unusual fascination with religion finds himself on a lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena and a Bengal tiger after the boat transporting his family and their zoo to Canada sinks. The tale that follows is mesmerizing, thrilling, terrifying and touching; it’s almost so unbelievable as to be entirely believed, and the vivid descriptions by author Yann Martel perfectly capture Pi’s fascinating adventure.
Why should I read this book?
If you like adventure, you’ll love Life of Pi. There’s humour, horror, hope and despair. Pi faces adversaries such as a hyena, a tiger, carnivorous seaweed and a French chef. He battles starvation, dehydration, enormous storms and his own conscious. From cover-to-cover, this fabulous work of fiction will keep you on the edge of your seat and draw you in to Pi’s incredible world on a tiny lifeboat in the middle of the ocean.
Anything else I should know?
Don’t just take my word for it; Life of Pi won the 2002 Man Booker Prize for fiction. There are at least five publishing houses in London who must be kicking themselves for rejecting the manuscript back in 2001. The film adaptation directed by Ang Lee is being released in November in most countries (sorry, Australia, you have to wait till January 1st). I’m really looking forward to seeing this one; it promises to make for spectacular viewing!
If I like this book, what else might I like?
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i just finished reading the last book you recommended, before i go to sleep, and i loved it. have been meaning to read life of pi for years, though i know the twist which kinda spoils it a bit.