I read this book originally a long time ago before it was made into a film and thought I would revisit it. This really is an excellent book Far deeper than the film and more written about her spiritual journey. Though this has gained criticism I find this unjustified and I really enjoyed it even for a second reading

As a woman in her thirties who’s going through a lot of self discovery at the moment, and is an absolute sucker for travel memoirs, I found a lot within this book that spoke to me. Having said that, it’s also a product of its time (nearly twenty years ago now) and so some views, comments, opinions, felt outdated.
All in all, this was a mixed bag for me.

I joined a hallowed crowd of readers, leaving my review for Eat Prey Love and feel almost daunted by the task. Elizabeth Gilbert's book is almost the blueprint for 21st-century self-help books. One that is unbelievably honest, transparent and exhaustive.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing. I was also given a copy of City of Girls (very good, although a touch too long) and The Signature of Things (so far, beautifully written), so it's a Liz Gilbert bonanza.

Here's the thing. I read this book when I went to Bali years ago. Its three parts make this a book of many parts. Naturally, it begins in Italy, where Liz explains in excessive detail her divorce and need to learn Italian, I guess, because it's a beautiful language. I agree with her on this. She also likes the food. I agree with her on this. The writing is good, really good. Gilbert has a cunning way of meting in facts and trivia which is informative, natural and intelligent, in much the same way a teacher would. She then heads off to India to meditate. I think this part sags somewhat, as her policy is to round up to 36 chapters. We meet an assortment of characters. We see Liz constantly putting a mirror up to her life, her struggles, her need for peace. Finally, we get to Indonesia. The last of the I countries in this book. Perhaps, this gimmick inspired publishers to say, It's like Eat Prey Love, only it's Boston, Bolivia, Botswana, etc.

Did you know what the meanings of paradise and amok were? Liz explains. Did you know that there's a woman (minor spoiler) who impregnates women on the island of Bali because their husbands are infertile? All of these facts jump off the page.
But here's the rub. Can she write? Yes! Would I like to meet Liz? No, even if mad old Aunt Liz was a great joke at her own expense. It's fascinating that when she's feeling low, she rubs you up the wrong way. When she's happy, she's also kind of annoying, almost smug. I think this book needed a little chopping, as it really is a long, long book.

Having read it a second time, I think I can look past any privilege that Liz has within this book. Instead, I look to the fact that Liz found a story that showcased her lust for life and her obsessive zeal for self-examination. Even though I said it was long, the 108 chapters break everything up. It's really one of those books you likely have to read before you die.

Side note: the awful film. When I saw it, in a terrible mood, I did say that my need to move to Italy was the one thing that the film conveyed. Liz, writing here, gives Italy the sumptuous beauty that we all know it has. For that, a solid 3 from me.

Going into Eat Pray Love, I only knew the movie, so I was curious to see how the memoir compared. The book definitely offers a deeper, more introspective look at Elizabeth Gilbert’s emotional and spiritual transformation after divorce. Her voice is candid, often witty, and deeply personal, which made parts of her journey feel relatable, even if others felt overly indulgent.

The structure (Italy for pleasure, India for devotion, and Bali for balance) makes for an engaging mix of travel writing and self-discovery. Some sections dragged for me (especially in India), and her reflections occasionally veer into self-absorption, but there’s sincerity in her search that I appreciated.

If you’re in the mood for a soul-searching travel memoir with vivid settings and emotional vulnerability, this is a worthwhile read, especially if, like me, your only reference was Julia Roberts in a piazza.

Having read and really enjoyed Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of all Things I was looking forward to reading Eat Pray Love. A best seller in n 2006, made into a film I didn’t read it at the time it was published because I knew it was an autobiographical , self-improvement book, not something I enjoy reading usually. I would say that Eat Pray Love is of its time: the chatty American slang has definitely dated but it is also a slice of American culture and values in the early 2000s. Young Gilbert is an anxious young woman in her 30s, recently divorced and seemingly unable to move forwards despite her talent as a writer and having a strong network of friends and family. This reads like a personal diary of a depressed Gilbert taking a Gap Year where without the pressure of ‘normal life’ she discovers her inner peace and resilience. Eating pasta in Italy and praying in an Ashram in India and finally finding love in Bali, she rescues herself from misery, loneliness, shame and anger. And it is a repetitive and self absorbed read, just as you might expect from a diary. If you like travel writing, spiritual journeys and are in your 30s freshly single this book will resonate.

I really wanted to read this and understand what all the fuss was about. That did not happen. I did not CARE about anything in this book. The came across as incredibly privileged, selfish and arrogant. Her commentary was lacklustre and provided no real insight into her experiences. I felt like this entire book gave a vibe of “Oh I’m sad and rich and privileged so let me go live abroad for a year and comment on how much I hate cultures that do not fit into my narrative of how the world should work from my upper East Side New York apartment.” I could not relate to anything she felt or did and found this entire book so frustrating and empty of any real insight.

This book was humorous in places and mostly kept my interest throughout. I haven't seen the movie so I wasn't sure what to expect. Not my usual read but I enjoyed it overall. Thanks for the chance to try it.

This is such a hopeful book about reclaiming a part of yourself when it feels like everything is falling apart. It was so well written and kept me swept up in the story from the beginning until the end.

A classic of the memoir genre - Liz Gilbert never disappoints.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this reissue!