Aug 9, 2009
Anyone want to confirm that India is an answer to the doldrums?
Yann Martel writes that “a stint in India will beat the restlessness out of any living creature.”
I want a second opinion.
(Quote from Life of Pi, vii)
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So, are you reading this novel now? It’s a good one.
Slumdog Millionaire would sure make it seem that way.
great novel. I hope to make it to India soon and test the validity of that claim myself.
A Postmodern Parable. Very utilitarian story. I thought.
I couldn’t take the preachiness.
I would think it would knock you into reality, if nothing else.
Well, where in India?
hm. lowell…where are you?? we need a second opinion!
As a 22words reader living in India I would disagree with the quote. I get restless all of the time…for well things from back home. :)
A change in scenery or circumstance is always an opportunity to “beat the restlessness” out of us. Doesn’t have to be any place in particular.
a stint in the Yukon would be nice…
Weird…I just read this quote from this book today! Don’t know if it’s true or not, but it’s a good line and it made me want to read more.
I read the book while we were in Sri Lanka. I never reached India. I thought of visiting to see if it was true.. but I never took it seriously ;-)
i would agree with this quote. i spent a month in New Delhi about a year ago. i was there on business but spent quite a bit of time out in the streets and interacting with the people. it was that trip and experience that shook my comfortable foundation. when i returned, it was the start of a change in my life that has led me to focusing on ministry in international missions and poverty. i was in North Africa in march and plan to return. it was that trip that shook me enough to wake up and listen to God and His call.
Been a stalker for far too long….I love to read. But this time I have something to say.
Haven’t read the book.
But my preacher dad made me go to India with him about ten years ago. I was not a Christian; I was a restless, smart-mouthed, know-it-all.
India changed my perspective on everything. I realized that the drama in my life was foolishness. A few years later I became a Christian. India was definitely a turning point.
It beats the restlessness out of you because it is all so overwhelming and confrontational.
i would think for a north american to visit any third would country would have a similar impact. i also wonder, like brooke asked, where in india the original author meant. after all, it’s called a sub-continent b/c it’s huuuuuuuge and super diverse.