Life of Pi is a relaxed, gripping novel that stirs questions of religion and purpose without condescension. The "Author's Note", which establishes that the narrator of the story is indeed fictional, builds a currently nameless character who is searching for inspiration. I found this spiritually hungry narrator helpful in understanding the book for two reasons: he/she represents the basic human desire for the nonphysical yet highly tangible presence of God, and his/her participation in the story lets the reader know why Pi is explaining his life and his beliefs.
As Pi Patel denotes his early life and his love of God in "Toronto and Pondicherry", symbols and superb characterization unfurl with stylistic grace. The zoo, which is a sanctuary for both Pi and the animals, can be related to the sort of menagerie of religions that Pi practices. The tiger (somehow I have a feeling he will show up later. Yes, I read the back of the book) is representative of the purpose of all creatures and animals' innate desires for simple survival and reproduction. Also, Pi's name has several aspects that portray his character. "Piscine" is the French word for pool; similarly, Pi's life up to the end of "Toronto and Pondicherry" has been a contained, serene journey. Audibly, the word "Piscine" sounds like "peace", which is a paramount trait of Pi's spirit. "Pi" is also 3.14, a complex number. Pi practices three religions and is considered complex by almost everyone he encounters.
Last night I went to yoga, came home, and read this book. It was one of the most relaxing yet intellectually challenging Tuesday nights I have had in a while. Life of Pi, with its unconventional fiction and well-researched structure, is quickly turning into one of my favorite books.
Yay!
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