Eat Pray Love
In the spirit of this week's food theme, I started reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love. I know, I know, it's been read by everyone on Earth -- at least every woman on earth. But this gave me a good reason to see what all the fuss was about.
At the outset, I'm a bit confused. I think I'm in the Eat section, but after 46 pages, she's had only one meal. She has talked about God a lot, so maybe it's the Pray section. Based on the descriptions of her collapsed marriage, this sure isn't the Love section.
Despite the confusion, I'm enjoying the book. I like Gilbert's subtle humor (there's even an inside joke for us Connecticut natives) and her self-deprecating style is endearing. She has a keen sense of language, such as calling Italian tomato sauce "gravy". I also appreciate that she didn't use the book to needlessly bash her husband, even though he treated her horribly during their divorce. I am a bit skeptical of the God-like voices she's been hearing (on the bathroom floor, no less).
But so far, I'm hungry for more.
Comments
Do I detect a hint of disdain in this statement? "I know, I know, it's been read by everyone on Earth -- at least every woman on earth."
Posted by: Mary | August 26, 2008 11:23 AM
Not disdain, really. But I was reluctant to read a tale described to me as "a woman suddenly decides she is unhappy, leaves her husband and falls in love with guys named Giorgio and Antonio." I see now that it was not entirely accurate, but it made me a bit nervous.
Posted by: Dave | August 26, 2008 11:31 AM
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this book, esp. from the male perspective. My in-real-life book club read this, and so did an online book club I'm in. Reactions were very mixed to say the least ...
Posted by: Heather J. | August 26, 2008 11:42 AM
I understand the reticence. I refused to read it for a while because it sounded too much like the latest "ladies book" that simply *everyone* was reading, which usually means I won't like a book.
But I read it and I'm glad I did. I did find myself rolling my eyes for a good portion of the beginning, but, if you stick with it, it's pretty OK in the end. Though there are some parts I feel I could have left unread in the pray section (zzzzz), I ended up feeling like it was more than what I'd expected. Mostly because of the terrific writing.
I too would be interested in what you think at the end. I don't think I know any men who've read the book.
Posted by: aeb | August 26, 2008 6:15 PM
ehhh- skim the middle section. First and last sections are better, but truthfully she really started to wear on me.
Posted by: Emily | August 28, 2008 1:13 PM