Healing Arts Speaker Series: Yann Martel

Oct. 23, 2014 | 7 p.m. | Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University

“Healing Journeys: Crossing the Pacific, Dealing with Trauma”

Yann Martel achieved worldwide acclaim with the publication of his novel "Life of Pi," which won the 2002 Man Booker Prize. It has been published in 44 countries, and has become an international bestseller with more than 7 million copies sold. Director Ang Lee adapted the novel in 2012, and the result was a film nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

In this talk, Martel details some of the events in his life that led him to write the celebrated novel "Life of Pi," and he explores the healing art of storytelling and its importance in overcoming or coping with trauma. Additionally, Martel’s talk will address the question of “Why does fiction matter?” and the importance of imagining stories in conducting a good, authentic life.