I didn’t read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert when it came out or when it was hyped up by Oprah. I wasn’t interested and really had little intention of ever reading it. Then, Maria at Bored Mommy decided to start a virtual book club in anticipation of the upcoming movie. I couldn’t resist.
The book documents the journey of the protagonist, Elizabeth, through a year of self-discovery. It follows her through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Today, we are discussing Italy.
I am not sold on this book. I am over 100 pages in and feel like I could easily abandon it and not wonder what happened or what I could have learned. It actually took a lot of effort to get 50 pages into it because I am not a fan of Gilbert’s writing style. It is too familiar for my literary taste. It reads more like a blog than book. Also, I find the switching between present and past tense very distracting, which has made it hard for me to surrender to the story.
The story is inspiring, though. Elizabeth sets off on a journey of self-discovery – leaving everything behind and moving to Italy. I can relate to that. I’ve done that (though, I moved to Edmonton, which is hardly as romantic). I packed up my car and headed west where an old friend and a windowless room in a basement waited to welcome me. I had no savings, no job prospects, and no idea what I was going to do when I got there. It was incredibly liberating.
I think this book will grow on me the more I read it. There are definitely some passages that will stick with me. I especially like the discussion about the word on the street of a city and how that evolved into Elizabeth wondering what word encompassed her. It made me really think about what my word is.
I appreciate Gilbert’s willingness to be vulnerable and to expose herself. That she talks freely about her depression is admirable and courageous. I look forward to reading about India and hope that I can learn something from Elizabeth’s spiritual journey. Stay tuned for Eat Pray Love – India.
Ah yes, further evidence that you are a better woman than I! Last summer I abandoned the book around page 79 and had it in a garage sale by September. Good for you sticking with it
This may be the only case of the movie being better than the book … at least, I hope so!
I’m so glad you’re reading this with me. I love how ballsy she is – its what I’m loving about this book – wishing I had the same strength that she had in her choices to really live her life and break away from what she had lived up to that point. I hope I enjoy India as much as I did Italy – we will see.
Italy was my least favoure part, though I admit I was so jous of the food and wine. I think you’ll like it more and res you read. Can’t wait to read your thoughts.
Now I have to go out and buy this book. Your post and the comments intrigue me. I packed up and left everything behind to go to Queen’s University at the age of 46. I didn’t go to the extremes that you did, Sarah; I did take some things with me, and I did have money. But I knew no one and I was studying with kids 25 years younger than I was. And I would use the word you did to describe the experience – ‘liberating’. (I did not, however, give up my children, who were grown and off on adventures of their own).
I can’t wait to read your post on India next week. I really like reading the differing opinions that all of us have on the book.
i have always loved julia roberts. i’m so glad she is coming out with another movie!
I also tried to read this, I only got about two chapters in, and I rarely abandon a book even if I loathe it. I just wasn’t drawn in at all. However I have been told many times how great it was, so I might give it another try someday. Will be interested to hear how you feel about it when you’ve read the whole thing.
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