Life of Pi

A Novel

By Yann Martel | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

The international bestseller and modern classic of adventure, survival, and the power of storytelling is now an award-winning play. 

After the sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan—and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.

Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi Patel, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with the tiger, Richard Parker, for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. 

The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them \"the truth.\" After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional—but is it more true?

Life of Pi is at once a realistic, rousing adventure and a meta-tale of survival that explores the redemptive power of storytelling and the transformative nature of fiction. It's a story, as one character puts it, to make you believe in God.

Editions of Life of Pi

Paperback
ISBN 9780156027328
EBook
ISBN 9780547416113

Read an Excerpt

WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

The international bestseller and modern classic of adventure, survival, and the power of storytelling is now an award-winning play. 

After the sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan—and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.

Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi Patel, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with the tiger, Richard Parker, for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. 

The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them \"the truth.\" After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional—but is it more true?

Life of Pi is at once a realistic, rousing adventure and a meta-tale of survival that explores the redemptive power of storytelling and the transformative nature of fiction. It's a story, as one character puts it, to make you believe in God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Life of Pi about?

WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

The international bestseller and modern classic of adventure, survival, and the power of storytelling is now an award-winning play. 

After the sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan—and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.

Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi Patel, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with the tiger, Richard Parker, for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. 

The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them \"the truth.\" After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional—but is it more true?

Life of Pi is at once a realistic, rousing adventure and a meta-tale of survival that explores the redemptive power of storytelling and the transformative nature of fiction. It's a story, as one character puts it, to make you believe in God.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Life of Pi?

Fiction > Speculative fiction > Metaphysical / philosophical fiction

Where can I read a sample of Life of Pi?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780156027328

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Life of Pi?

Yann Martel

Who is the Publisher of the book Life of Pi?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Life of Pi is available as paperback(ISBN 9780156027328) and ebook(ISBN 9780547416113)

Where can I buy Life of Pi online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Life of Pi from below

Where can I buy Life of Pi?