Typically, books titled after mathematical figures are written exclusively for the formula-friendly elite of high schools. Not so, with Yann Martel’s Life of Pi.
Half science-fiction, half biography, Pi is the story of
a severed tiger head (Pi) and his life as the ruler of the ocean kingdoms. It’s a classic, middle-eastern epic of retribution, environmental responsibility, and geometry, with a few modern twists (such as the entire story taking place at sunset) to keep up with contemporary audiences.
Martel weaves an intricate story, addressing those human truths often too complex for fiction with veteran ease. The internal conflicts of humanity are expressed poetically; the smooth red sky’s constant clashes with the serrated blue water was my personal favourite.
Pi (short for “Pieces of Tiger”, a name dutifully earned after the brutal dismemberment scene) is a character that strikes a chord in all of us. Caught by fish-shaped Bengalese poachers, he is encircled and decapitated, his body sold for fur. But Pi’s soul lives on in his severed head, and he takes to the skies to exact revenge on humanity. As is all too common in life, his vengeance overwhelms him, and he devours every living thing on Earth — that is, until he reaches the ocean, where the creatures of the sea are safe beneath the waves.
The story ends surprisingly philosophically, as Pi floats above the seas for all eternity, waiting for the seas to evaporate, so he can feast on the last living things on Earth and complete his revenge. But it’s a sad life for Pi, as the fish taunt him day after day, jumping from the seas in a circular shape that mock his name and mimic the circle of hunters that caused his torment in the first place — and we see the story becomes as circular as the fish’s mockery.
Life of Pi is a wonderful thing, one I would recommend to anyone looking for a colourful, well-designed book cover to put in their bag or purse.
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