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A review by kalilley1989
Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert
3.0
Good grief, this book was just all over the place...
Before anything else, I will say that I was slightly biased to rate this book more highly than it perhaps deserves as a work of literature, due to my own experiences with intercultural marriage and the fiance visa process with my British husband. Gilbert and Filipe's experience struck home for me, and commanded my attention and respect throughout the remainder of the book.
If it had not been for that strong, personal connection, however, I am not entirely confident that I would have seen it through to the end. I was prepared to read a memoir, written in the typical engaging, eloquent and authentic style of Elizabeth Gilbert. What I got was an odd, forced amalgamation of memoir and essay, with oh-so-many tangents that often did not connect back to a thesis of any kind.
By the way, what WAS the overall purpose of this book?
To me, it was a cry for affirmation. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of using writing as an outlet and a method of personal problem-solving. I am just unsure of publishing this type of writing under the guise of a "sequel" to a book of a very different style.
I really, really love Elizabeth Gilbert's style of writing. She illustrates scenes with swoon-worthy imagery, wields her wit with impeccable skill, and dives into philosophical and spiritual issues with bravery. This book did not let me down in this particular sense. Where "Committed: A Love Story" fell short was in its overall purpose and tone.
Thanks for the try... but please try again.
Before anything else, I will say that I was slightly biased to rate this book more highly than it perhaps deserves as a work of literature, due to my own experiences with intercultural marriage and the fiance visa process with my British husband. Gilbert and Filipe's experience struck home for me, and commanded my attention and respect throughout the remainder of the book.
If it had not been for that strong, personal connection, however, I am not entirely confident that I would have seen it through to the end. I was prepared to read a memoir, written in the typical engaging, eloquent and authentic style of Elizabeth Gilbert. What I got was an odd, forced amalgamation of memoir and essay, with oh-so-many tangents that often did not connect back to a thesis of any kind.
By the way, what WAS the overall purpose of this book?
To me, it was a cry for affirmation. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of using writing as an outlet and a method of personal problem-solving. I am just unsure of publishing this type of writing under the guise of a "sequel" to a book of a very different style.
I really, really love Elizabeth Gilbert's style of writing. She illustrates scenes with swoon-worthy imagery, wields her wit with impeccable skill, and dives into philosophical and spiritual issues with bravery. This book did not let me down in this particular sense. Where "Committed: A Love Story" fell short was in its overall purpose and tone.
Thanks for the try... but please try again.