Brian Bethune of Maclean's describes Life of Pi as a "head-scratching combination of dense religious allegory, zoological lore and enthralling adventure tale, written with warmth and grace".[28] Master Plots suggested that the "central themes of Life of Pi concern religion and human faith in God".[29] Reutter said, "So believable is Pi's story telling that readers will be amazed."[30] Gregory Stephens added that it "achieves something more quietly spectacular."[31] Jean Smith stated that there was "no bamboozlement here."[32] Gary Krist of The New York Times praised the book, but added that at times Martel "pushes the didactic agenda of his story too hard."[33]
In 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama wrote a letter directly to Martel, describing Life of Pi as "an elegant proof of God, and the power of storytelling."[34]
