Beatrice and Virgil

Beatrice and Virgil

by Yann Martel

224 pages

*** About the Book ***

Henry's first book was a success and he's certain that his current project, a new way of looking at the Holocaust, will be as well.  He's spent years working on this manuscript and he is shocked when it is rejected by his editors.  After this, his desire to write dries up and he begins to lead a new life.  Eventually he meets an old taxidermist (also named Henry) who is working on a play about two animals.  The writer in Henry begins to come to life again as he assists the taxidermist with the play, but Henry suspects that there might be more going on than is readily apparent ...


*** Why I Read It ***

I expected to hate LIFE OF PI when I read it yet I ended up really enjoying it, so I was excited to hear that Yann Martel had a new book coming out.  I received a copy from the publisher a while back but I held off reading it until now because I wanted to have it fresh in my mind so I could call in to That's How I Blog! on June 15 for the book discussion.



*** My Thoughts ***

I can't decide what to think about this book.  I think bullet points will help me order my thoughts ...

• It was very easy to get into even though it didn't seem like much was happening in the story.
• There were certain sentences and phrases that I thought were beautifully written.
• I loved getting to know Beatrice the donkey and Virgil the monkey.  I didn't expect to appreciate them as characters but I definitely did. 
• If you asked for my opinion when I was 3/4 of the way through I'd have said it was a strangely fascinating book.
• If you ask me what I thought of the last 1/4 of the book, I'd say that I'm somewhat confused and really don't know what I think about it.
• I love the concept of the taxidermist's play - it is unusual, creative, and potentially effective in getting his message across.
• I definitely did not like it as much as LIFE OF PI.

I'm really looking forward to discussing this book on That's How I Blog (June 15 at 9pm EST).  I feel like I need to bounce ideas off other readers and hear their interpretations before I can decide whether I like it or not.


*** Your Thoughts ***

People are really split on this book ...

• Devourer of Books and Amy Reads also both felt that the need to discuss this with someone
• It's All About Books called it a "unique reading experience"
• The Book Lady's Blog said she's "ambivalent" about it 
• A Novel Menagerie gave it a 9 out of 10 while At Home With Books gave it a 2 out of 5

Have you read any books that left you conflicted or confused at the end? What do you do to solidify your opinions about a book like that? And also, will you be calling in to That's How I Blog to discuss this?