"Beatrice and Virgil" is a novel by Yann Martel, known for his previous work, Life of Pi. The story follows a writer named Henry who is struggling to create a play about the Holocaust. He encounters a taxidermist named Gustav, who presents him with a unique narrative involving a donkey named Beatrice and a monkey named Virgil. The book explores themes of suffering, memory, and the complexities of storytelling. Through the interactions between Beatrice and Virgil, the narrative delves into the moral implications of art and the representation of historical trauma, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of compassion and understanding.