What is the author's style in Life of Pi by Yann Martel?

The author of Life of Pi is a very poetic writer. Martel's style is often rhythmic and his descriptions poetic. His style reinforces the main character's appreciation for the splendor of creation around him. Throughout much of Pi's castaway crisis, the language of the story becomes very practical; e.g., providing lists or step-by-step instructions on how to butcher a turtle or tame a tiger. The author's language fluctuates from his poetic, sometimes rhythmic style to a much more plain-spoken conversational style, as though the reader were hearing the story by sitting across the table from Pi.