EAT

Notice that the title on my post is shorter than the title of the book? I bailed out on this one after the Eat portion. The first section is about Italy but even so there was so much of her internal struggles and her divorce that I just couldn't go on.
Maybe I'm not spiritual enough for this book. Someone with more patience might find this rewarding. The rest of us move on. I'd suggest this to someone who likes extremely introspective writing and who has time to spend.
Note that the reviewers are not as shallow as I am.
An interest in the human condition is the common thread that ties together Gilbert's diverse body of work, ranging from a collection of short stories (Pilgrim) to a novel discussing the outdoor lifestyle of Eustace Conway (The Last American Man). In her new work, she continues her exploration of the human psyche through a very personal journey of self-discovery in three countries: Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy, her first escape, she devours the food and the melodic language with equal gusto. In India, she decamps to an ashram to learn the intense discipline prayer and spiritual pilgrimage require, in the process revealing the depths to be found in reflection, meditation, and historical teachings. In Indonesia, she generates strong friendships and gains insight into homeopathic medicines, healing, and the complexities of different cultures. Throughout, she candidly shares her observations and emotions as she grows from a woman shattered, lost, and confused to one rejuvenated, confident, and in love. A probing, thoughtful title with a free and easy style, this work seamlessly blends history and travel for a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/05.]--Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, Ont.