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Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I picked up Elizabeth Gilbert's book on the recommendation of a colleague. This book is a modern day romance for the "liberated" woman. The woman who is financially independent, has a reasoning mind that questions social conditioning and the strength to pursue ones inner calling. It is a modern day romance with power vested in the feminine.

The book starts off with the authors the state in life prior to the journey. The author, a WASP in her early 30s, with a smart mind and a successful career is deeply unhappy with the next steps society has set for her (having children). She has played by the rules and has aspired for and acquired social milestones (professional success, financial independence, marriage, house in the suburbs)--yet she is deeply unhappy. She gives the reader a peek into her failed marriage and a failed relationship that follows. Both set the mood for the authors state as she embarks upon her journey. Her journey is divided into 3 stages of 4 months each in Italy, India and Indonesia.

In Italy, she enjoys the sights--both architectural and the good-looking men, and tastes. She also enrolls into a course to learn the language. Thanks to the delicious Italian food, she manages to gain 23 lbs in 4 months. However, the pasta and gelato are no healers for the open wounds from her failed relationships and she departs for India.

In India, her entire stay is primarily confined to the ashram and the town around it. A time for introspection, contemplation and service coupled with performing the ashrams rituals enable her give her a deeper perspective on her inner chaos as well as providing her a suitable atmosphere to have the highly desired (among observing hindus) kundalini experience. The author seems to be more at peace with her life and choices at the end of this phase.

Her finaly phase in beautiful Ubud, Bali where she meets her current spouse (pseudonym-ed) Felipe. Liz also connects with various locals that have their own touching life stories from the ancient medicine man Ketut Liyer to the beautiful Wayan. The description the the beauty, customs amd mores of the locals make a very entertaining reading. Her success at tapping her friends network to finance a shelter for Wayan and her kids is truly inspiring.

So, what do I like about the book?
1. At the end of the book I felt as if I had traveled the 3 countries with Liz Gilbert. Liz Gilbert effectively communicates the deliciousness of the Italian food, the austerity of the Indian ashram and the beauty of Bali. I had a compulsive need to consume pizza after reading her section on Italy. I was relieved that she treated the hindu theme with respect (which is uncommon in western media). Bali is on my list of places to visit.

2. I learnt quite a bit about the Hindu aspect of Bali (I doubt most Indians know about it).

3. The woman characters are strong and independent--much like herself,from her impressive writer sister to Wayan the Balinese medicine woman to the Brazilian diplomat. It was good to read a book with strong female characters.

And if I may say so...
I was surprised at the amount of beans the author spilt about her relationships, married and otherwise. Feel sorry for the ex-husband, who now thanks to the phenomenal success of the book and movie has become unknowingly immortal. Veiled retribution for pain inflicted?


All in all, it is a feel good, live-happily ever after romance with strong women characters. Definitely recommend it.