A young boy marooned at sea.  Almost impossibly, he survives.  What he endured could either be the stuff of fantasy or nightmare.  

 

Years ago I watched the movie adaptation of this book after it won countless awards.  It completely enthralled me and awakened my imagination.  The twist at the end was so shocking and yet also so expected.  

 

After reading The Reading List last week, I was compelled to pick up the book.  Books are always better than their adaptation, right?  

 

The book is adeptly written.  The descriptions of the setting so vivid I could practically smell the salt in the air and feel the sun on my skin.  And Pi is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve read.  It’s worth noting that the movie would not have been possible without Martel’s premise and execution.  

 

While I enjoyed the book, I loved the movie more.  The way this story played out cinematically on screen was breathtaking and endearing.  I’m glad I read this book, but shockingly, the movie made me feel to an extent the book didn’t achieve.