Life of Pi

by Yann Martel
Life of Pi cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Fantasy, Young Adult
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 2203
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781841953922
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Life of Pi is a captivating novel that blends adventure, fantasy, and magical realism. The story begins with the sinking of a cargo ship, leaving a solitary lifeboat adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. Among the survivors are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan, and a formidable Royal Bengal tiger. /n/n As Pi navigates the challenges of survival at sea, he forms an unlikely bond with the tiger, Richard Parker. The novel explores themes of resilience, faith, and the human spirit, all while delivering a thrilling and unforgettable narrative. Yann Martel's rich prose and imaginative storytelling make Life of Pi a must-read for anyone seeking a unique and profound literary experience.

Reviews
Girl with her Head in a Book · 2023-01-24
thought-provoking 4.50

While not perfect, the novel has always resonated deeply with the reviewer, featuring an unreliable narrator.

The reviewer acknowledges that Life of Pi is not a perfect novel but emphasizes its enduring impact and personal resonance. They appreciate the complexity of the unreliable narrator, Pi, and the way the story challenges the reader's perceptions. The reviewer finds the novel thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    Life of Pi is not a perfect novel but it is one that has always spoken to me.

    Pi may be the ultimate unreliable narrator but I feel that in this context, it works beautifully.

    The novel's themes of survival, faith, and the nature of reality are explored with a depth that stays with you.

The Word Wolf · 2022-04-11
profound 4.25

Life of Pi is seen as a profound exploration of belief and faith, with a strong overarching theme that resonates with readers. The novel's depth and complexity make it a memorable read.

The reviewer views Life of Pi as a profound exploration of belief and faith, highlighting the novel's strong overarching theme. The depth and complexity of the story make it a memorable read, with the reviewer noting that it can be read on multiple levels. The novel's philosophical undertones and the way it challenges the reader's perceptions of reality are particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    Life of Pi is a book about 'belief in its many guises.'

    There is undoubtedly an overarching theme of 'belief' in this novel.

    The novel's philosophical undertones and the way it challenges the reader's perceptions of reality are particularly praised.

the starving artist · 2021-01-21
intriguing 4.00

Life of Pi is praised for its engaging narrative, clever twists, and immersive details, blending humor and beauty effectively. The story's unique perspective and depth make it a standout read.

The reviewer found Life of Pi to be an intriguing tale with several clever twists that keep the reader engaged. The writing is commended for its good use of humor and beautiful, immersive details. The story's unique perspective and depth make it a standout read, offering a blend of adventure and philosophical musings that resonate long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    Life of Pi is an interesting tale with a pretty cool twist or two, good writing, a little humor, a bit of beauty, and a lot of immersive detail.

    The story's unique perspective and depth make it a standout read.

    The blend of adventure and philosophical musings resonates long after the last page.

Julia's Books · 2019-11-15
profound 4.50

The book is profound and can be read on multiple levels, offering a philosophical exploration of the divine.

The reviewer finds the book profoundly fascinating, appreciating its multi-layered narrative that can be interpreted on various levels. They see it as a philosophical tract about the nature of the divine, highlighting the rich themes and deep thoughts that Martel weaves into the story. The reviewer is particularly drawn to the novel's ability to provoke introspection and contemplation about life's bigger questions.

Quick quotes

    I found this a profoundly fascinating book that you can read on so many levels.

    It is a philosophical tract about the nature of the divine.

    It is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

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