’’Life Of Pi’’ was a book that was suggested to me by a friend. The premise of having to live on a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger triggered my curiosity.
The book basically talks about a boy from Pondicherry and his views, experiences and learnings. The book starts off with Pi’s childhood at his fathers Zoo and how life in a Zoo is different from a normal one. He talks about his religious views and exchanges with local religious peple. I found this part as a bit of drag. However, his description of wild life and their way of life was a revelation.
The book then moves onto how the family decide to move to Canada and the catastrophy that hits the boat. This leads to Pi getting stuck on a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger, an orangutan and a jackal. The book begins its interesting journey here. A gripping tale of survival ensues. His struggle for survival, his thoughts, feelings are well brought out. It seems to be a bit repetitive at times though.
The ending is according to me is the highlight of the book. Without the ending the book is a very ordinary story. It stuns you.
Even if you find the book a bit slow, my advice is : Persevere and you wont be disappointed!