The Life of Pi by Yann Martell - anyone else read it?

I really enjoyed the book too!
Thanks papillion for the clarification on the island, I never got that one!
Pagan, my understanding of the tiger disappearing is that the tiger represented his animal persona. Thus, it did disappear the moment he hit land because he moved on to his new life.
anyone else has a different take on it?

I read and enjoyed but was left feeling rather empty once the second tale became apparent - it made me feel bad. Also never quite got the tiger running off as soon as they hit dry land - was that a reference to him in that this particular part of the adventure and his life was over?

Just like the hindu or christian or muslim version of reality is more interesting than a nihilistic one

yes, and obvioulsy the animal version of the story was much more enjoyable and interesting than the human version. Very thought provoking. And having read Paps thread, yes I can see now that the island was a mirage.

No doubt the non-animals version of the story was the "true" story, but the message seemed to me to be that you can choose what to believe, and you can believe more than one thing simultaneously. I love that!

Have read the book and mostly enjoyed it, although I found the first half quite slow going. The second part where he is on the boat I really enjoyed. The way I understood it is that in he was the only one who actually survived, all the other people who were on the boat with him died or were murdered, and in his memory they were turned into animals. I do't undertand the bit about the island though and where that fits in! Going to a book club meeting about this book in a few days and will post if anyone has any ideas about the island!

I've just finished it too and I found it an absolutely inspiring, brilliant book.

I've just finished this book and really liked it - very captivating. I was a bit thrown by the island but the link from Papillon explained it a bit - still not sure that it sits well with the rest of the story.

I really liked this book too. Initially, I thought I found the story quite bewildering but it was only when I read the last chapter, that I finally understood what was happening. Very clever book!

Absolutely loved this book. After reading all your comments it's making me want to read it again and I haven't felt that way about a book since I was a child.

Good point about a second reading. I should run down my copy and give that a try. Hopefully it hasn't strayed too far afield! Goodness, knows I need the distraction right now.

I was expecting it to be rather heavy-going and intellectual (Booker prize-winner and all that), but it wasn't at all. I found it to be very accessible, but extremely clever at the same time. Definitely a book I will want to read again several times in the future.

i enjoyed it...a few people recommmened it to me andWASNT AS OVERAWED I I THOUGHT I WOULD BE - BUT IT WAS VERY CLEVER AND LEFT YOU WONDERING.....

I enjoyed the book too - I think M Night Shyamalan is adapting it for his next film. Should be interesting!

Really liked this book and like many others want to read it again but have lent it on and can't remember who to. Very bizarre but untterly engrosing.

Very interesting book. I read it over the summer and it was not at all what I expected. I loaned it to a friend expecting to have deep meaningful discussions (she has a degree in philosphy) but I don't think she liked it that much so, no discussions yet. I'm glad you started this thread donnie.

Here an interview by the author which explains abit about how he wrote the book.

Yann Martel talks about the island being a mirage.
For me too the island symbolises a masked haven. It seems all good, food for all and a respite from the clutches of ocean life. But staying there is like selling your soul, making a bargain with the devil. It is not an oasis and Pi could stay, accept and resign himself to his fate on the island (hell) or seek a better place. Even if this means facing the challenges of the ocean, knowing that salvation is that direction rather than remaining on the island.

Chandra, sorry to take a while getting back to this thread - I'm sure, though not 100%and have lent to friend so can't check, that his mum (oranutang)was killed defending him against the canibal guy. Anyone got any theories on the island bit - found it confusing?

Amazing book. Wrapping zoology, theology and biology into one book - just the kind of story that I like. The survival mode tactics to avoid being eaten by the tiger. Did not find it strange but I have read and studied alot of the aspects he wrote about so it really struck a chord with me.

My father read it also and we had great discussions.

Chandra, it's been a while since I read it, but like Twiga, I thought his story was to shield his mind from the truth. Wasn't his mother the Oran-Utang or one of the other animals? I thought it was a fantastic story on many levels and very thought provolking.

anyone?

I loved that book, it's one of my favourite ones, I found it really moving, and I believe that people who is slightly inclined to think abou why things happen and what you can earn from them would love it. And I liked the ending too, so realistic! he pocketing the food while being interviewed. I have read it on the plane on my way home (20 hrs) but couldn't bring it back as I had too much luggage, which I regret specially now. Did he saw his mother being murdered? I thought the cook just had told him about it? OMG I don't have the book anymore, can somebody explain me if I missed something?