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About the Author

Yann Martel, the child of diplomats, was born in Spain and has lived all over the world.  Costa Rica, France, Mexico and Alaska have all been home to Martel, who has also traveled extensively in Iran, Turkey and India. After studying Philosophy at Trent University, he worked various odd jobs and began making his living as a writer at the age of 27. He continues to travel, but when he stays put, he makes his home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

"...I was alone and orphaned, in the middle of the Pacific, hanging on to an oar, an adult tiger in front of me, sharks beneath me, a storm raging about me.  Had I considered my prospects in the light of reason, I surely would have given up and let go of the oar, hoping that I might drown before being eaten.  But I don't recall that I had a single thought during those first minutes of relative safety.  I didn't even notice daybreak.  I held on to the oar, I just held on, God only knows why... " [page 118]