Undress Me In The Temple Of Heaven (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This wasn't the comedy I expected when I first started reading it. Two college friends decide on a whim to travel around the world, deliberately choosing squalor over comfort. Traveling with casual friends is always a a challenge as personalities begin to clash over time. There is good character variety as the journey unfolds, and Susan and Claire find themselves forced to rely on the kindness of strangers. The camaraderie and friendship of the other travelers highlight the withdrawal and distress of Susan. I'n not sure I'd say I liked the book, but there are certainly parts of it that will stay with me. I really felt I shared the lives of the characters for a while. This was a fascinating story. It was set in 1986 when 2 friends who didn't know each other that well decided to travel around the world. They start in China. This book covers: traveling with friends, traveling when young, backpacking when young and culture shock. Gilman is able to share her adventures with a sarcastic wit and perfect pace. I listened to the audio book which the author narrated. At the end of the book, there was a brief interview with Gilman. She said that she waited 20 years to be able to look back at the event with some perspective.
What do You think about Undress Me In The Temple Of Heaven (2009)?
This was a good one... I kept wanting to find out what happened next. I'd recommend it.
—pjot
A good travel story with a completely unexpected turn of events.
—Gabby
Helluva memoir about an incredibly harrowing trip!
—avery350
