I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, something along the lines of a well balanced and exciting journey of education and spirituality. With the book being described as self discovery, and everyone in the world raving about it, I thought I would give it a try.

To begin with I didn't like the righteous attitude of the main character, not only did she blaze through the divorce section of the book with little for the reader to connect with, other than her inability to stay out of a bathroom. I didn't feel sorry for her, I felt sorry for her husband. Whom, we read to be this horrible person, but in the most vague way I have ever encountered. I understand that this really wasn't about him, but the author went on and on about it, with little denial other than her own suffering.

Martyrdom over, i was excited with anticipation to read the Italian based segment of the book, only to find that it was again descriptive but in the wrong ways. I wanted to be drawn into the book but I found it difficult to turn the pages.

I love to read, and I really wanted to like this book but it has been a painful ordeal.
I understand that other people have been deeply touched by the authors experiences in this novel, and yes, some of the descriptions and Wikipedia-like history lessons on Bali are exciting, for some I'm sure.

Self indulgent, yes, Insular, yes, Captivating no.

As for a spiritual journey, it has been nothing more than a trendy leap about the globe, sampling what the author felt best described a connection to "God".

Not impressed.