This is a semi autobiographical tale of a woman in her 30s who left her "happy" married life (that
comprised of a loving
husband, a plush house in the US) and a thriving career as an author to travel across the world in her quest for love and peace.
She goes to three distinctive lands across the globe to experience the basic enjoyments of life which we all have somewhere or the other being neglecting.
Her first
destination was Italy which in her book comprised the first part ie. EAT. The joy that she found in the simple act of eating good food along with learning her favourite language made her realise how easy it is to do things which bring so much
happiness to one self. These are some petty things that one should do in order to derive happiness. What she learns here is that you need not have to have a reason to do certain things. If its bringing you happiness , its worth the effort.
After the splurging and gorging in Italy , her next destination is India.She goes to an Ashram located in an obsure place where in there are thousand of national and international devotees like her. Her life here is a complete contrast to the previous one. Getting up early at 3 in the morning , scrubbing the floors of atemple, eating vegetarian food and meditating for long hours. All these helps her connect to God which she realises was always by her side.
The third place is Indonesia where she meets an old monk who teaches her to maintain a balance between the first two.One has to have a desire and will to lead the way you actually want to live. Happiness is so easy to find and yet seems so elusive at times.