A review by vanessazamora
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel
5.0
This book really had me captivated from start to finish. I don’t know why it’s set up to look like it’s based off a true story, but maybe that’s part of the book’s interpretation that we can choose what to believe is true. Life of Pi is enchanting not just for the storyline, but the thematic’s it touches on and the way Pi narrates his thoughts was something very humbling and really spoke to me as well. Though I’m not religious, I was able to appreciate and revel in Pi’s profound love of the three religions he chose to practice. It gave him such a beautiful outlook on life and the nature of reality. Pi goes as far as to say that atheists or agnostics are his own “brothers and sisters of a different faith.”
I think all the spiritual lessons about faith and the human experience overall were my favorite aspects. How Pi was able to overcome his obstacles and use his faith to continue moving forward. Even without religion, I found that this faith could be applied to oneself or even just a trust in the universe, wherever that may be. What we choose to believe in and live by ultimately affects how we carry ourselves through life. I believe Pi’s explanation of how we should make choices that enrich our lives and bring us joy is one of the simplest, yet most difficult, decisions we can do for ourselves. We shouldn’t limit our experience, and ultimately all we can do is continue to move forward with our best intentions in mind.
I think all the spiritual lessons about faith and the human experience overall were my favorite aspects. How Pi was able to overcome his obstacles and use his faith to continue moving forward. Even without religion, I found that this faith could be applied to oneself or even just a trust in the universe, wherever that may be. What we choose to believe in and live by ultimately affects how we carry ourselves through life. I believe Pi’s explanation of how we should make choices that enrich our lives and bring us joy is one of the simplest, yet most difficult, decisions we can do for ourselves. We shouldn’t limit our experience, and ultimately all we can do is continue to move forward with our best intentions in mind.