As I read "Committed" I can't help but wish it were more like her previous book, "Eat, Pray. Love." Her writing seems different and not as engaging for me yet I like the topic. As she shares her struggle with the western concept of marriage after her horrific first divorce I understand her trepidation as she faces a new commitment to Felipe.
On page 53 Elizabeth writes, " What is marriage supposed to be, then if not a delivery device of ultimate bliss? But she quickly explains that even though this is the ideal the reality is often anything but blissful. As Gilbert grapples with what matrimony promises versus what it actually is she compares it to a battle. Later on page 85 she wrote, "An old Polish adage warns: before going to war, say one prayer. Before going to sea, say two prayers. Before getting married, say three." She then writes, "I intend to pray all year."
I think those of us who have been married for many moons know that love, commitment and everything monogamy requires is so complicated, complex and impossible to explain. The factors involved in making any committed relationship work vary from couple to couple. Elizabeth shares her fears about approaching marriage for a second time while she examines like an anthropologist the institution of marriage across many cultures.
I like her exploration even though this memoir reads more like case studies. It is a bit dry, but I still like her message. Don't give up on committed love. As we aproach Valentines day--a worthy concept to contemplate,
Take care, Leslie
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I haven't read this yet, but I don't think I should-being in my first year of marriage is scary enough. I don't need to know how it gets harder. Can't it just always be the first year? AK
ReplyDeleteI agree, you don't need to read this book at this time. I have been married for over 20 years-and there are tough times, but the first year was bliss and everyone deserves that honeymoon time--I am still in love though after all these years regardless of the intense challenges we have faced--I think that's the point of the memoir "Committed"--when the love is genuine it can handle the intensity of matrimony and it's worth the committment-- love, Leslie
ReplyDeleteHi!! I just want to let you know, Eat Love Pray (the movie adaptation) is being released in August! I hope they did a better job with it then Jackson did with Alice Sebolds', The Lovely Bones. Anyway, I'm always checking your blog. xox
ReplyDeleteOne more thing, Julia Roberts will be Elizabeth, James Franco - David, and Javier Bardem - Felipe. We'll see!! xox
ReplyDeleteWow- I will have to see that movie-I do love Julia Roberts. I think it's amazing how many movies you are able to see and review. I love it when a Memoir like "Eat, Pray Love" becomes a film. I think her memoir committed is good too, but it reads much more like a Margaret Mead study on never giving up on Marriage, take care sweetie!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of living right across the street from a movie theater!! xox
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