Book # 51

Life of Pi

By Yann Martel

Once again it is harvest and canning season and I've discovered the playaways at the Library. It's been ages since I've blogged about a book, and I really haven't read that many since my last blog but I had something to say about this one.  I saw this movie and was disturbed by the ending. Which ending is the true ending? I wanted to know and so I listened to the book for clarification. I'm not going to tell you what I think, but I will relate to you an important conversation at the end of the book.

The Japanese shipping businessmen are interviewing him. 

He tells them both stories and in the end Pi says to them, 

The Simsoom sank on July 2, 1977

Yes. (older Japanese)

And I arrive on the coast of Mexico, the sole human survivor of the Simsoom on February 14, 1978.

That's right. (older Japanese)

I told you two stories that account for the 227 days in between.

Yes, you did. (older Japanese)

Neither explains the sinking of the Simsoom.

That's right. (older Japanese)

Neither makes a factual difference to you.

That's true. (older Japanese)

You can't prove which story is true, and which is not, you must take my word for it.

I guess so. (older Japanese)

In both stories the ship sinks, my entire family dies, and I suffer.

Yes, that's true. (older Japanese)

So, tell me, since it makes no factual difference to you, and you can't prove the question either way, which story do you prefer? Which is the better story? The story with animals or the story without animals. 

That's an interesting question. (older Japanese)

The story with animals. (younger Japanese)

Yes, the story with animals is the better story. (older Japanese)

Thank you. And so it goes with God.

What did he just say? (younger Japanese)

I don't know. (older Japanese)

Ohhh look, he's crying. (younger Japanese)

We'll be careful when we drive away. We don't want to run into Richard Parker. (older Japanese)

Don't worry, you won't. He's hiding somewhere you'll never find him.

What I found in this ending, was not only the true ending but an interesting thing to think about, which was found in his comment about God. I love books like that, that give you something more to think about, even after you are done with the book. That is how I felt about the movie Interstellar, as well. There were interesting things to think and ponder about. Thoughts to keep you awake for awhile when you go to bed at night.

Until Next Time :o)