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Self

By Yann Martel
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3.43 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 3,127 ratings, 240 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Self is Yann Martel's first novel, exploring the fluid boundaries between fiction and autobiography, as well as the complex intersections of identity, gender, violence, and happiness. Through a deeply reflective narrative, the book challenges readers to contemplate what defines a man and a woman, and how personal and fictional truths intertwine.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel will appeal to readers interested in literary fiction that probes deep philosophical questions about identity and human experience. Fans of thoughtful, character-driven stories with a mix of humour and tragedy will find Self especially rewarding.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A fictional autobiography of a young writer which takes the reader to Canada, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and elsewhere. This story of love, sex and ambiguity is the first novel by the Canadian author of the award-winning short-story collection, "The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios".

Self by Yann Martel - the acclaimed author of Life of Pi - is the fictional autobiography of a young writer; edgy, funny and devastating, with a startling twist at its very heart . . .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

What is fiction? What is autobiography? How do the two meet?

What is a man? What is a woman? How do the two meet?

What is violence? What is happiness? How do the two meet?

Yann Martel wrote Self, his first novel, to try to answer these questions.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Self as a bold and original work, highlighting Yann Martel as one of the greatest writers of his generation. Reviews commend its compelling storytelling, rich humour, and poignant blend of tragedy. Martel's masterful writing and penetrating insights create an exhilarating and unforgettable reading experience, capturing the seamless world of childhood with wit and profound cultural references.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571219766

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 April 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 275g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Yann Martel

About the Author

Yann Martel was born in Spain in 1963. After studying philosophy at university, he worked at odd jobs and travelled before turning to writing at the age of twenty-six. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed 2002 Man Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi, which was translated into thirty-eight languages and spent fifty-seven weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. His collection of short stories, The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios, and his first novel, Self, both received critical acclaim. Yann Martel lives in Saskatchewan, Canada.

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