In his introductory note, Yann Martel says, "The book was bornas I was hungry." What sort of emotional nourishment might "Life of Pi" have given to its author?

Life of Pi gave the author a chance to be a successful writer. He was reeling from the negative reviews and lack of popularity his first two books had garnered. He was hungry for acceptance.... not only as a writer, but for a tale that would appeal to the reader. It was during this time that his hunger for a great tale, a tale worth telling was satiated. Life of Pi was a huge success, and it reiterated Martel's belief in storytelling and imagination.