I'll be honest.
About three years ago I first picked up this book and I read about half of it. I hated it. I didn't like the characters, I didn't like the story, I didn't like the idea. I just didn't get it.
Then a few months ago I picked up the book again and read it leisurely. I read it with an open mind, I had forgotten who had told me to read it and why. I managed to move outside my happy little bubble that I usually live in and guess what? I LOVED this book.
This book is a story about Pi, a sixteen year old boy who, along with this zoo-keeper father and the rest of his family, emigrates from India to South America. On the way their boat sinks leaving only Pi and a few of the zoo animals to fend for themselves on a tiny lifeboat. The story is about Pi's and the animal's survival. It's also about animals, fear, and it's pure fantasy - or is it?.
It's funny, it's unbelievable and yet, in many ways I found it sad and touching.
If you're looking for a beach book, something that requires no thought, don't go for this one. But if you've got the time to read, ponder and suspend your disbelief, pick this book up - you won't be disappointed.
Winner of The Man Booker Prize.
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