Life of Pi

By: Yann Martel

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Vikas Adam is the perfect narrator for this incredible novel. He delivers its lyrical style with energy and complete believability.... Definitely not a Disney movie, this is a realistic, heart-thumping account, which Adam delivers with verve, intelligence, and sensitivity. More than a fable, often humorous, always compelling, this tale is infused with the wonder of a teenage boy who finds himself in an unimaginable situation for 227 days. Must listening! Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2019 Audies Finalist." (AudioFile magazine) 

Winner of the 2002 Man Booker Prize for Fiction 

Pi Patel is an unusual boy. The son of a zookeeper, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories and practices not only his native Hinduism but also Christianity and Islam. When Pi is 16, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship along with their zoo animals bound for new homes. The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450 pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days 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. 

Cover design by Vaugh Andrews. Cover illustration by Andy Bridge. 

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

©2001 Yann Martel (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Wonderful story and superb voice acting.

I have read the physical book at least three times before, as I consider it one of the most beloved and impactful books I have ever read, but the voice acting by Vikas Adam gave this book a new life and depth for even someone who had read the text multiple times. Cannot recommend more.

very slow start, but good story overall

the narrator was very good. the story was slow but interesting. however you have to make it past the start whoch was suuuper slow and not always relevant to the later story.

Outstanding narrator

Where does Life of Pi rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one of the best I've ever listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Life of Pi?

The conversation at the end between the Japanese officials and Pi in his hospital bed.

What does Vikas Adam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration was absolutely amazing. I felt like I was there with Pi through it all.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved every word.

Any additional comments?

Outstanding narrator, his accent is like music.

Buy this book. Now. Just do it.

Probably the best book I've listened to in years. Maybe ever. You won't regret it. The narrator does a great job with his accents and inflection and the story is just... uplifting. It takes grim events and makes them miracles. If you liked the movie, you'll love the book. If you didn't like the movie, the book might add enough detail to bring you around.

Wonderfully read and gripping story...

Sometimes funny, insightful, retrospective. Other times graphic, violent, and depressing... But that is the story of many peoples lives I guess.

As an adventure/survival story its fanciful and overly dramatic, but as an allegory, it is a wonderful examination of how we view our own situation in life, our story, and what part, if any God plays...

A Great Book

I read this book a few years ago, before I listened to it on audible. I really liked the book then, but it is better the second time 'round, which is usually true for me, even though I rarely read fiction twice. This book is full of great symbolism that was easy for me to miss the first time. And there are many ways to interpret the symbolism. I suppose each person will see in it the things he or she wants to see. And I'm guessing that if I read or listen to this book again, I will see different things in it.

This book has two endings Which is the right one? the true one? Sometimes I think one is, and other times I think the other is. I have thought and thought about this problem, and finally decided that it is not a question that can be answered by anyone but Mr. Martel, and perhaps even he does not know for sure. The truth is, there is much to be learned from both endings, so from that perspective, I don't think it really matters which one is the true ending.

I really like thinking about this story and all the possibilities it represents. On a fundamental level, it gives me courage to face my adversity, and if for no other reason, it is a great read.

The narrator is amazing.

Not only is this story wonderful but Vikas Adam brings it such life. I loved this story so much. What a tale of hope and perseverance.

Excellent Teacher Resource!!!

The narrator is great and can keep an audience engaged. I love the features audible provides including the ability to change reading speeds and locate readings by chapter.

How to run a perfect zoo

This is one of my most favorite books ever..I read and listen to it every few months..the narrator's voice is wonderful. The accent sounds realistic but very understandable.................................spoiler alert..................................................................................I love the fact that I can choose the ending...of course I chose the one with the meerkats...

wow

the book was so much better then the movie fantastic vocabulary, and great passion for telling the story.