2008 Woodie Awards
Prize-winning book worth second glance
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Life & Style
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"Life of Pi" by Yann Martel (Harvest Books, $14.00)
While some books are better left unheard of, others deserve another chance for some time in the spotlight. Such is the case of 2002 Booker Prize winner "Life of Pi," by Canadian author Yann Martel. Perhaps one of the most well-known prize winners for some years, the book has received attention and acclaim worldwide. Amazon alone posts over 3,000 reviews by readers. Hence, for those of you yet to open the pages of this unusual book, here is a quick synopsis.
Pi Patel is the 16-year-old son of a zookeeper from India. When his family decides to immigrate to Canada, more than his immediate family comes along.
The zoo must come too, which requires an exodus not dissimilar to Noah and his ark. Although Noah arrives safely on dry land, Patel finds himself shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a life-raft littered with a variety of animals. These include an orangutan, zebra, hyena and a feared 450-pound Bengal tiger.
As one might suspect, things are not idyllic on the life-raft and Pi soon finds himself ensconced with the tiger for the duration of their 227 day ordeal in a cat and mouse game of survival.
Martel recounts many of the instances that create this story into an enthralling tale including the weather, hunger and the discovery of a new, but dangerous island.
Although the story itself is entertaining, what distinguishes this book from many others is its thought-provoking ending. This is a true story told to Martel in person by Patel, according to Martel. But, from transcripts of the ordeal produced shortly after Patel is rescued, it becomes apparent that the tale might not be as bizarre as what might have first been thought. Is there a rational explanation?
Each reader is given the power of choice to answer this question.
While some books are better left unheard of, others deserve another chance for some time in the spotlight. Such is the case of 2002 Booker Prize winner "Life of Pi," by Canadian author Yann Martel. Perhaps one of the most well-known prize winners for some years, the book has received attention and acclaim worldwide. Amazon alone posts over 3,000 reviews by readers. Hence, for those of you yet to open the pages of this unusual book, here is a quick synopsis.
Pi Patel is the 16-year-old son of a zookeeper from India. When his family decides to immigrate to Canada, more than his immediate family comes along.
The zoo must come too, which requires an exodus not dissimilar to Noah and his ark. Although Noah arrives safely on dry land, Patel finds himself shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a life-raft littered with a variety of animals. These include an orangutan, zebra, hyena and a feared 450-pound Bengal tiger.
As one might suspect, things are not idyllic on the life-raft and Pi soon finds himself ensconced with the tiger for the duration of their 227 day ordeal in a cat and mouse game of survival.
Martel recounts many of the instances that create this story into an enthralling tale including the weather, hunger and the discovery of a new, but dangerous island.
Although the story itself is entertaining, what distinguishes this book from many others is its thought-provoking ending. This is a true story told to Martel in person by Patel, according to Martel. But, from transcripts of the ordeal produced shortly after Patel is rescued, it becomes apparent that the tale might not be as bizarre as what might have first been thought. Is there a rational explanation?
Each reader is given the power of choice to answer this question.
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