Book | Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001)

"Life on a small lifeboat for days and days with no company except a few miserable animals will soon reveal any man's true character." -Yann Martel

The book "Life of Pi" is captivating because of its engaging narratives and vivid descriptions. However, what really make it unique is the thought-provoking themes that challenge our perceptions of reality and imagination. The writer delves into deep topics such as existence, perseverance, and belief. The character of Richard Parker, a Bengal tiger, embodies the logical mindset of Piscine Molitor Patel, the protagonist, and of all people, which places survival above ethical principles.  

​The following are some interesting elements in this story:

• When we are in the life-or-death moments, what decision will we make?​ If we have faith, we can trust in its teachings to guide us. Nevertheless, it's questionable whether survival alone justifies any action we take.
• Why Richard Parker left Patel without looking back after the rescue? After arriving in Mexico and securing their immediate survival, Richard Parker, who represented rationality, understood that his purpose was no longer needed. Rationality alone cannot comprehend or value the emotional or spiritual elements of their journey. Therefore, Richard Parker's departure symbolizes the constraints of solely relying on rational thinking when faced with life's intricacies and unknowns.
• What does each animal represent in Patel's family and what are their characters? Zebra represents a sailor, who is innocent, vulnerable, and has a sense of purity. Orangutan represents Pi's mother  (Gita Patel), associated with nurturing, wisdom, and emotional depth.  Hyena Ravi Patel (Pi's older brother) symbolizes aggression, competitiveness, and opportunism. 
• What does the floating island represent? It's likely  The Island represents his mother. The meerkats are the maggots.

Overall, "Life of Pi" encourages exploration of faith, reason, and the complexities of belief systems.