Author Elizabeth Gilbert
Country United States
Genre Non Fiction: Memoir
Publication Date 2006
Pages 352
This is one of those books which I have been wanting to read for sometime. Infact, I had a copy of this comfortably perched on my bookshelf for the longest time. But, as I tell my husband (who mocks me for purchasing more than I end up reading), there is a time in life for everything and my time to read this book was surely not 3 years ago. The time was now and I am glad to have waited. Who knows; maybe the 'maturer' me has absorbed the book better.
This is the true story of Elizabith's search for meaning in her life. Grappling with a painful divorce and other failed relationships, Elizabeth takes on a year of travel to be with herself and come to terms with her changing life. As the name suggests, she pursues pleasure, spirituality and a balance between the two in Italy, India & Indonesia respectively. Through her excellent narration, she has shared her journey, struggles & victories vividly with her readers.
This is a self discovery narrative which is real, passionate and enchanting. One striking thought that stays with me is that it is absolutely fine to pursue harmless pleasure (as the Italians are known for doing). Most of us convince ourselves that we are here just to work hard and make a difference and in the bargain foget to pursue pleasure. Or, worst still, we wait for ourselves to deserve a pleasure and then offer it as a treat. Life would be simpler and happier if we were not so harsh and judgmental with ourselves. Infact, as Elizabeth not only shares but successfully displays through her actions, happiness is not a stroke of luck. We must work towards finding happiness and maintaining it.
I would just suffice by saying that we owe it to ourselves to pursue pleasures and find happiness. Most of us talk of our responsibility towards family, children, work; with abolsutely no mention of ourselves. Lets not forget that only a happy self can bring happiness to others.
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