Life of Pi

When I started reading this book by Yann Martel, I had impressions that I was about to read something like Paulo Coelho's beautiful poetry-in-prose 'The Alchemist'. Well, it turned out to be nothing like that. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, just because it was not something I expected it to be. 'Life of Pi' is nevertheless a nice, enjoyable book that can be read leisurely. There is an innocence in the narrative that makes for an enjoyable read, with a world painted from a child's view - the zoo, the animals, the hypocrisy of religious zealots, the beauty and the darkness of life on the high seas. Piscene Molitor Patel survives 200 odd days in the Pacific with a Royal Bengal tiger to tell his tale. Shades of Robinson Crusoe, and is there any symbolism there behind the story? I couldn't think of anything naturally, and so I see no point in thrusting one which does not come out naturally out of the tale. So, for me 'Life of Pi' remains a wonderful fantasy of adventure and survival, not quite the 'Alchemist' kind of inspirational tale. Oh, I can't get that early impression out of my mind!