Life of Pi Part 1

Why does the author mail his manuscript for the book about Portugal to a made-up address in Siberia?

He believed he had failed at writing the novel and that it was worthless. Thinking this he sent it to a fictitious address in Siberia.

What is suggested by the author's comment about fiction being "the selective transforming of reality? The twisting of it to bring out its essence?

He suggests that the story he is going to tell is true. It is fiction and will not be on the accounts that is really happened. It is a twisting of the facts to bring out it's essence.

Why did the author go to India?

He wrote a novel in Canada although it did not go over well. After this he wanted to go to India to begin a new novel.

What is most significant about the story that the author hears?

Mr. Adirubasamy tells Mr. Patel that it will make him believe in God.

Who first tells the author about Mr. Patel's story? How many storytellers does this make in the book so far?

Mr. Patel meets Francis Adirubasamy at the Indian coffee house. We are given a story being told by a stranger, who was told by an unknown person.

What is suggested by the fact that the Author's note was set in italics, and Chapter 1 is set in normal text?

This is suggesting that the normal text and the italic text is two different people speaking.