Elizabeth Gilbert's Dark Secret: Drugs, Obsession, and Murderous Thoughts!
Elizabeth Gilbert, the celebrated author of "Eat, Pray, Love," has revealed a shocking chapter in her life, filled with drug use, obsessive relationships, and even contemplating murder. This revelation comes with the release of her new memoir, "All the Way to the River."
From "Eat, Pray, Love" to a Radical Life Change
Gilbert's life took a dramatic turn after the immense success of "Eat, Pray, Love," a book chronicling her journey of self-discovery through travel and ending her marriage. She found love again in Bali, but that relationship also ended in divorce. Subsequently, she became deeply involved with her hairdresser, Rayya, described as an "ex-junkie, ex-felon, postpunk, glamour-butch dyke."
The memoir delves into the intense relationship between Gilbert and Rayya, which was tragically cut short when Rayya was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. Refusing treatment, Rayya turned to drugs, leading Gilbert down a dangerous path as she attempted to score drugs for her lover on the streets.
A Descent into Darkness
As Rayya's health deteriorated, she became abusive, and Gilbert, overwhelmed by the situation, began self-medicating. This period of her life was marked by a downward spiral, leading her to contemplate the unthinkable.
Contemplating Murder
In a shocking revelation, Gilbert admits, "I came very close to premeditatedly and cold-bloodedly murdering my partner." This candid confession exposes the extreme emotional and psychological toll the relationship and Rayya's illness had on her.
Critics have described the memoir as self-indulgent, with one reviewer calling it "excruciating to read." The book's opening includes a four-page love letter from the deceased Rayya, written in Gilbert's voice, which has been criticized as solipsistic.
Despite the criticism, Gilbert's willingness to expose her vulnerabilities and darkest thoughts has sparked conversation and debate about love, loss, addiction, and the complexities of human relationships.