#1 New York Times Bestseller, Eat Pray Love tackles a 30-year-old woman’s decision to break away from all comfort zones and formalities after a heart wrenching divorce. Readers will truly savor the simple pleasures of eating, acknowledge the major difficulties of focusing in meditation and appreciate the wonders of love and comfort of another human being.
Elizabeth Gilbert, a Connecticut native turned New York journalist, eloquently describes a voyage to Italy, India and Indonesia in search for happiness that takes place over a year. A successful world traveling career, a stable home and the plan of creating a baby set her future in stone. However, the writer decided to tread away from normalcy and into a risqué atmosphere in hopes of finding true inner beauty. Depression issues facilitated Gilbert’s decision to abruptly flee the country on personal terms.
Readers will envy her four-month residence in Rome as she focuses on eating and learning the romantic Italian language. After gorging endless amounts of cuisine, Gilbert stresses the enjoyment of food and camaraderie. Lingerie shopping, the beauty of fat pants and art of pleasure decorate Gilbert’s European experience in between meals. Additionally, friendships of hospitable locals and the exchange of American traditions create an inviting atmosphere.
The stubborn human mind tempts individuals away from achieving serenity due to daily problems. A four-month trip to rural India assists the writer’s desire for balance through meditation and praying in a Hindu ashram led by a celebrated Guru. Through prayer, healthy eating, and the humble lifestyle of a floor washer, Gilbert is able to discover inner peace with international roommates hoping to achieve spiritual triumph.
Fortunately, her mission does not end in the wondrous country of India. The heart of Eat Pray Love ends in the enriching atmosphere of Bali, Indonesia. The platonic relationship between the writer and an infamous medicine man, Ketut, blossoms into exploring the complicated traditions of the Balinese. After creating lifelong relationships, readers can expect a renaissance of Gilbert’s perception of true human love.
Audiences, regardless of gender, will value Gilbert’s decision in describing very faint details of her ventures. Her remarkable experiences grasp the reader in their entirety.
If I was an accomplished woman of many talents, I could easily relate to the agonizing troubles Gilbert faced shortly after her divorce. However, as a young individual Eat Pray Love inspired me to truly appreciate the simple obstacles of college life. Personally, I believe that many women of the present who think they have it all figured out should definitely dive into one of the most popular memoirs of today.