Eat, Pray, Love author splits from book lover

The author whose Eat, Pray, Love novel inspired Julia Roberts' hit 2010 movie has split from her husband.

Elizabeth Gilbert met Brazilian businessman Jose Nunes while travelling through Bali and she chronicled the beginning of their love story in Eat, Pray, Love, the travelogue that was to become her bestselling 2006 book.

"Because I have shared details of my private life with you all so intimately over the years, I feel the need to share with you this recent change in my personal life," she wrote on Facebook Friday (01Jul16). "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."

Gilbert was on a global journey of self-discovery following her divorce from her first husband when she met Nunes. His character in the Roberts film was played by Spanish actor Javier Bardem.

"At this time of transition, I hope you will respect our privacy," she added. "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.

"I thank you for your love, and for your kindness, and for your continued blessings. Hold us in your thoughts. And I hope you will understand and forgive me if I am a bit absent from social media during this sensitive moment."