Publisher : Mariner Books
Pages : 336 pages ( paperback )
ISBN : 978-0547848419
I must be one of the last persons to read this book but for posterity's sake, I thought it worthwhile that I jot down my initial thoughts before I forget them. Rife with powerful passages, the simple way in which the author phrased his sentences masked the much heavier meaning behind the words. More than just an intricate plot, the story unfolds with very cleverly written analogies of human natures and the strength of survival.
The book on whole was a pretty fast paced read, and I found myself racing towards the end, just wanting to know the famed 'twist' at the end of the story. No spoilers here, but for those who've watched the movie, perhaps you'd agree that the twist added a much applauded punch to tie up the entire story. Equal parts vivid imagination and clever messages, Life of Pi was a delight to read, and a literary sensation that will last for a long long time.
I liked how the book delicately questions issues on life and religion.
And that wasn't the end of it. There are always those who take it upon themselves to defend God, as if Ultimate Reality, as if the sustaining form of existence, were something weak and helpless. These people walk by a widow deformed by leprosy begging for a few praise, walked by children dressed in rags living in the stress, and think " Business is usual ". But if they perceive a slight against God, it is a different story. Their faces go red, their chests heave mightily, they sputter angry words ... These people fail to realize that it is in the inside that God must be defended, not on the outside.
I particularly loved a paragraph written close to the ending.
It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.
I have yet to watch the movie, but for now the imagery so excellently painted in the words of Yann Martel more than suffices to make this a memorable read, and it's safe to say it's one of the best books I've read this year.
I'm glad you like it Joanna. I read this in 1995, too long and too young to remember anything. ha ha. that's the beauty of book blogging, that way you always remember what you read (almost!). I got this for £0.20 at Amazon.co.uk whispernet. I can't wait to re-read again and then watch the movie. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are reading Hector and search for happiness too!
ReplyDeleteHi Jo !
DeleteWow, for £0.20 , that's a steal ! :) I had the book lying around but never got to reading it until the movie came out, and I was adamant on reading it first before watching the film adaptation :P Do re-read it when you've got the chance, I think your perceptions etc might have changed, and it would be so interesting to note.
P.s : Yes, I've read Hector and the search for happiness ( Was in part motivated to read from your review .. haha ). Will be posting up a review soon-ish
THanks for dropping by ! :)
I'm in the minority on this book - I liked it a lot until the ending.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
DeleteAh yes, I've talked to a few people who didn't quite like the ending either ... :)
However, thank you for dropping by :)