Writer Elizabeth Gilbert splits with husband “Felipe” after 12 years
The Eat, Pray, Love author posted on Facebook: "I trust that you understand how this is a story that I am living"
EAT Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert has split from her husband – the man she wrote about in her global bestseller.
The book, which was made into a film starring Julia Roberts, details her love affair with "Felipe" whose real name is Jose Nunes, and how they met in Bali.
She took to Facebook on Friday morning to reveal the news saying: "I am separating from the man whom many of you know as ‘Felipe’ — the man whom I fell in love with at the end of the EAT PRAY LOVE journey.
“He has been my dear companion for over 12 years, and they have been wonderful years.
“Our split is very amicable.
“Our reasons are very personal."
The writer said she was sharing the news as she has been open about her life previously.
Her second hit book Committed, was all about their struggle to stay together despite living on different continents and their romance in marriage.
She added: "At this time of transition, I hope you will respect our privacy.
"In my heart, I know that you will do so, because I trust that you understand how this is a story that I am living — not a story that I am telling."
In the book and movie adaptation, Gilbert wrote about her trips to Italy, India and Bali and how she met her estranged husband, who was played in the film by Javier Bardem.