On Jan 4th I wrote a post on my favorite and not so favorite things of ’07 and Elizabeth Gilbert’s “eat. pray, love” got a mention on both lists.
Pro: “I do like her sense of humor and she is honest about herself.”
Con: “Am I the only woman who finds Elizabeth Gilbert somewhat whiny and self-absorbed? I’ve been divorced and traveled alone without all that sobbing and need to please.”
Well, upon more thought the pro statement is a bit insipid and as for the con I seem to be holding back maybe because she had been Oprahized! Time has however revealed that I am not alone in my less than glowing review of her book and I not going to be asked to leave the midlife sisterhood….Whew!
Here is a link to one article in particular “Pray tell: Is Elizabeth Gilbert self-absorbed or truth seeker?” by Carol Memmott USA Today. There are also some interesting comments attached.
Why is this capturing our attention? Probably because it speaks to something larger. It makes us look at how we feel and who we are as women over 40. We are examining where we have been, where we are now and more importantly where we want the road to take us for the next 40 years.
I haven’t finished the book yet, which in itself tells me something because when I love a book I devour it quickly! So far there are two things I know for sure. One, like many of you out there I have a version of being on the bathroom floor. For me I sunk to the floor in my kitchen and it was many years ago. But it happened one time and then I stood up and said “You’ve made some mistakes Jill, rectify them and move forward.” Two, I cannot cling to things or people when it is over because it is over – move on. OK, there is a third thing – that while some of Richards advice is sound, to allow someone to continually refer to you as “Groceries” goes beyond cute, occasional nickname into the realm of complete lack of self-respect and (or) no ability to set healthy boundaries with people.
I hope to hear your thoughts and I promise that I will finish the book ASAP. Perhaps the ‘love’ part in Bali will bring it together for me or maybe not!
Posted in Books
Hi Jill: What a great blog title, “Eat, Pray, Debate”! It’s so true; this book seems to be either loved, or hated!
As we’ve talked about in our chats, I too have mixed feelings about the book. I totally agree with you that “it speaks to something larger”. Perhaps that something is the archetype of woman searching…for love, for spirituality, indeed for herself.
I must say that I do respect Gilbert’s attempt to “comprehend my personal relationship with divinity”, as she puts it in response to criticisms. In the India section of the book particularly, I see a woman who has dug down deep inside herself, and been willing to face whatever has surfaced from that sometimes scary, oft times dark, place.
Ellen Besso
Navigate Your Mid-life Maze
http://www.ellenbesso.com
http://www.ellenbesso.com/midlifemaze