Life of Pi by Yann Martel | Teen Ink

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

March 27, 2023
By Anonymous

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is an enjoyable novel that tells the story of a young Indian boy named Piscine Molitor Patel or Pi, and his incredible, but harrowing journey across the Pacific Ocean.


The novel begins by describing Pi’s childhood, where he develops a fascination with religion and spirituality, having deep belief in Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. When his family decides to move to Canada, they set out to travel across the ocean with a cargo ship filled with animals from their family's zoo. However, tragedy strikes when the ship sinks, leaving Pi as the only survivor alone in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger funnily named Richard Parker after a famous actor.


When it comes to my reaction to the story, I find that it is beautifully written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The descriptions of Pi's struggle for survival in the middle of the ocean, his relationship with the tiger, and his spiritual journey are all portrayed with imagery and descriptive language. The novel explores themes of faith, perseverance, and the struggle for survival, making it deeply thought-provoking.


One of the strengths of Life of Pi is its ability to weave together multiple different themes. At face level, the novel is a thrilling adventure story, while on a deeper level, it’s a conversation on the nature of faith and belief. Martel does this through his skillful use of symbolism that invites readers to consider the deeper meanings of the aspects Pi encounters on his journey. 


Overall, I would recommend Life of Pi to any reader, as it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction or is interested in exploring the nature of belief. 


The author's comments:

An in depth review of Life of Pi.


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