“I have a story that will make you believe in God” (VIII), it is a story that will excite you, it will scare you and it will surprise you. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel gives a very interesting, and revealing, look into the life of a young Indian boy.
Piscine Molitor Patel, “Known to all as...Pi Patel” (24-25), is the son of a zookeeper, and a student of many religions. Pi lives in Pondicherry, India in a time of political oppression, “the mid-1970s were a troubled times in India” (86). As a result of such turmoil “Mrs. Gandhi finally got the best of [Pi’s] Father “(86) and the Patels’ decided to move out of the country, and into Toronto. Moreover, Pi is an intelligent and curious young man who is fascinated with animals, and can be somewhat cowardly when faced with the bullying of his schoolmates, or of his brother.
So far in this novel there has been a general display of the theme of serenity. Martel has described the childhood of a peaceful, happy boy, and apart from a few exceptions, the book has been very calm and peaceable. There has been no conflict, and not very much adventure, or exoticness. Instead it has remained relatable and serene.
I look forward to reading about Pi’s story, and learning exactly how this novel will develop into the book I have heard so lavishly described as a masterpiece.
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