As we come to the end of the readalong with this, our final tip, think back to the author’s note in which Francis Adirubasamy says ‘I have a story that will make you believe in God.’ What do you make of this claim? Here’s what Yann Martel has said on this topic:
‘Life of Pi can be summarised in three lines:
- Life is a story.
- You can choose your story.
- A story with God is the better story.’
Does Pi’s story make you believe in God? What is your lasting impression of the novel?
We hope you’ve enjoyed being part of the readalong. It’s been great to read all your comments on the site, and we’ll be sending one last email on Monday to share some of your feedback more widely.
Elbina
said:posted 28 August 09
The Life of Pi was not better because of God. It was great because of the mind of a human being. The lasting impression for me of this novel is that the mind is a great and wonderous thing that so many people leave out of control rather than getting focused and using it to help themselves.
Maria do Céu Costa
said:posted 30 August 09
When I read Mr Adirubasamy’s words(talking to the Author), “I have a story that will make you believe in God”, I think it worked as a very strong motivation from the very start of the novel. It seems that it boosts the reader’s attention towards every detail.
I think I realize why Yann Martel says “Life of Pi” can be summarised in three lines. Firstly, he enjoys gathering the facts existing in Life; then he interprets them in his own way, telling his story/stories, making his own choices, and always adding the spiritual dimension. Without this, Life makes no sense at all.
Well, “Life of Pi” makes us keep believing
in the great capacities of the human being, and how these can be strengthened
by God’s presence in our Life.
This novel really inspires much faith and hope, which will be lasting for good!
Saorise
said:posted 12 November 11
I don’t think that it was better with God in the story. I thought it was good because of the characters, settings, and just Pi himself. His mind is amazing and to be able to see inside his mind is just simply amazing. If I could talk to Pi in real life, I would ask him so many things that it would take hours and hours to answer them. I think that the novel could have been just as good without the religious thoughts and beliefs. The novel really makes you think about people and what they would do in a situation that Pi was in. It was a really interesting novel that is one of those few that stay in my mind after I read it for months.