The central theme of the new book - “All the Way Down to the River” - is her love for Rayya, a woman Gilbert met in 2000. They first became friends, later lovers.
The relationship was tumultuous, not least because of Rayya's serious drug problem. At the same time, Gilbert had another addiction - sex addiction. A life together could only lead to disaster, Gilbert says.
"It was incredibly difficult to write. Painful; it's about sadness, loss and anger," Elizabeth Gilbert tells TT.
The book depicts the stormy relationship and how Rayya's death led Gilbert to the life she lives today. When TT speaks to her, she is in Paris, on a tour to talk about the book and meet readers.
I like it. It's important to them; it's important to me. We have a close relationship; we care about each other.
“Wanted to write about her”
When Elizabeth Gilbert lived with Rayya, she kept a diary and took notes all the time.
I wanted to write about her; she was so important to me. But the book didn't turn out the way I thought it would. It was painful.
How would Rayya have reacted if she had read the book about herself?
I've thought about it. She was a radical punk. It was incredibly important to her to always tell the truth, even when it was difficult. She believed in honesty, even when it cost her. And she made me be more honest.
The books belong together
Elizabeth Gilbert says that the new book is in many ways a continuation of "Happiness, Love and the Meaning of Life" – a book that was translated into 30 languages, sold almost 20 million copies and was later made into a film starring Julia Roberts.
They belong together. And I've had a warm reception from my readers. It's about trauma and addiction and shame - all the things that are part of life. Life is a puzzle.
Regarding the film with Julia Roberts, Gilbert says that the book was more reflective but that she enjoyed it. There has been talk of making a film or TV series out of the new book, but right now she is not interested in that.
When this book tour is over, I'm going to take six months off. I'm going to read books and walk my dogs, nothing else.
Age: 56.
Lives: In New Jersey, USA.
Occupation: Writer.
Previous books: "Happiness, Love and the Meaning of Life" (2006), "Great Magic" (2015).
Current book: "All the Way Down to the River", which was recently published in Swedish translation.
