Book Review: Eat. Pray. Love.- Palatable and Relatable

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is more than just a book; it's an exploration of a woman's search for self-discovery across three different countries. It's a pilgrimage that takes Elizabeth from the comfort of her home through the hustle and bustle of Rome, the spiritual tranquillity of India, and the serene beaches of Bali.

The book begins with Elizabeth, our protagonist, feeling lost and detached in her seemingly perfect life. She then embarks on a journey of self-discovery, which she segments into three parts: Eat, Pray, Love. Each part metaphorically represents her experiences in Italy, India, and Indonesia, respectively.

The 'Eat' part of the book unfolds in Italy, where Elizabeth seeks pleasure in the form of food. She indulges in Italy's rich culinary delights and learns to appreciate simplicity and "the art of doing nothing" the Italian way.

In 'Pray,' she travels to an ashram in India, seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment. This part is saturated with introspection and self-realization. Elizabeth's struggle and eventual success in finding inner peace make for a compelling read.

Lastly, the 'Love' section in Indonesia is where she finds balance. Bali teaches her to maintain an equilibrium between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.

Gilbert's Writing

Gilbert's writing style in Eat Pray Love is accessible, engaging, and profoundly human. Her narrative style, balancing eloquent descriptions with colloquial expressions, makes it easy for readers to connect with her journey. The author's strong sense of humour surfaces frequently, giving the narrative a light-hearted yet genuine tone. The candidness with which she shares her vulnerabilities and triumphs invites readers into her world, instilling a sense of companionship. Moreover, her vivid descriptions of the places she visits transport readers, making them feel as if they are experiencing her adventures firsthand. Her writing is not just a medium for telling her story; it's a tool that deepens the readers' understanding of her journey and makes the book a truly immersive experience.

Literary Criticism

Themes

Self Discovery

Eat Pray Love is rooted in the quest to discover herself, which is evident throughout the book as Elizabeth embarks on a journey to understand herself, find meaning in her life, and seek genuine happiness independent of societal expectations.

Spirituality

Spirituality is an overarching theme, particularly in the 'Pray' segment of the book, where Elizabeth delves into meditation and introspection in an attempt to attain inner peace. The concept of balance is introduced towards the end of the book, symbolizing the equilibrium between earthly pleasures and spiritual fulfilment.

Marriage and Relationships

The theme of marriage and relationships is explored by Gilbert through her experiences with her ex-husband and a difficult divorce, a rebound relationship and family and friends. It delves into the societal expectations placed on women to conform to traditional gender roles and the impact this has on their identities.

Critiques

The memoir chronicles the life of Gilbert and her successful career, yet that feeling of being stranded in life as a person, as an individual, in an unhappy marriage, and ultimately finding love and balance after travelling halfway through the world with a Brazilian businessman.

While Eat Pray Love has received positive reviews and critical acclaim since its release, some have criticized it for being self-indulgent and catering to a privileged audience with the means to embark on a similar journey. Others have pointed out that Elizabeth's narrative perpetuates stereotypes about the countries she visits, particularly India.

They argue that the author's trip, funded by a book advance, is not relatable for the average reader who does not have the financial means or flexibility to travel across three different countries of the world for personal growth.

Gilbert at Jaipur Litt Fest

Critics argue that her experiences - tasting the finest Italian cuisine, spending months in an Indian ashram, and finding love in Bali - seem more akin to a luxury tour rather than a genuine quest for self-discovery. These critics assert that the book is less about spiritual transformation and more about privileged escapism, thereby detracting from the universal appeal of the story. Despite this critique, Gilbert's book continues to resonate with a broad audience, reflecting its significant impact.

The popularity of the book resulted in it being translated into over 30 languages and a film adaptation starring Julia Roberts, indicating a broad resonance with its themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and balance.

Overall Impression

Eat Pray Love is a compelling memoir with particular relevance to women. Gilbert is honest and humorous, making the book a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or seeking inspiration. It's a beautiful reminder that true happiness lies within ourselves, waiting to be discovered.

The book Eat Pray Love, based on the real-life of Gilbert, is a powerful testament to the importance of personal growth and self-fulfilment over societal pressures to marry, have children, or maintain a traditional career path. The protagonist’s courage to abandon her comfort zone to seek authentic happiness serves as an inspiration for women across the globe, encouraging them to prioritize their needs and aspirations.

Moreover, Gilbert's example of her struggles with depression and loneliness resonates with many women who may feel isolated in their own experiences. Her story serves as a reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to seek happiness in unconventional ways.

About the Author

Elizabeth Gilbert is an award-winning author hailing from Waterbury, Connecticut. Born in 1969, she grew up on a Christmas tree farm with her parents and sister. Gilbert's literary career began in earnest when she moved to New York after college, working various jobs while writing whenever she could find time. Her breakthrough came in 2006 with the publication of the book Eat Pray Love, which quickly became a global phenomenon, transforming her into an international bestseller featured in the New York Times. Beyond Eat Pray Love, Gilbert has written several other books, both fiction and nonfiction, such as City of Girls and The Signature of All Things. She is renowned for her evocative storytelling and empathetic character portrayal, making her work relatable and deeply human. Gilbert inspires readers worldwide by exploring complex emotions and the human experience.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Engaging and Relatable

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