I have to issue a small warning about Life of Pi: Don't read this book while you're eating - especially if you've reached the part where Pi is at sea.
Unless, of course, you do not find the animal habits of eating, killing, or other bodily functioning unsettling. Because I do find them a little bit disagreeable when I am eyeing the food that I am about to bring to my mouth.
I know it seems like it takes a while for Life of Pi to get going. The first several chapters give beautiful descriptions of Pi's life and family and religious curiosities, but it kind of leads us to ask "so what?"
Once you come to the "inciting event" where Pi suddenly finds himself at sea with no one but a bunch of wild animals, you realize that all of those explanations were prepping you for this phase. Suddenly, the descriptions of animal mentality and interactions are super relevant to Pi's survival.
I do actually find this story interesting and sort of hair-raising (yes, even though there is no romance or magic). Yann Martel is a good describer of scenes and emotions. The way Pi describes being thirsty, for instance... didn't you suddenly start absolutely craving water? I did.
Being about halfway or so through the novel, what do you think? Almost at the end yet?
No, I don't think I'll be done by the end of February, either. ;) Though I am much closer now that I am listening to it every day during my commute.
What other descriptions or emotions stood out for you?
I also thought the description of the hyena was pretty vivid, even if it did give you a sense of abhorrence for the creature. There's more, but I can't think of them right now.
The reason I talk about the descriptions is because I suspect that they may be what I remember most about my experience with Yann Martel and the narrative voice. The insightful descriptions. He has a pretty distinct voice.
What stands out to you most, or what do you appreciate, about the narrative voice?
Book clubbing is for discussion, after all!
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