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The Signature of All Things
528 pages, 2014
fiction
1382 booksIn The Signature of All Things, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert returns to fiction, inserting her inimitable voice into an enthralling story of love and discovery. Spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the Whittaker family as led by Henry Whittaker—a poor-born Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade before becoming a botanist himself.
Born in 1800, Henry's brilliant daughter Alma inherits both her father's money and his mind; as Alma's research takes her deeper into evolution and spirituality, she falls in love with Ambrose Pike—a naturalist who paints exquisite paintings of orchids.
Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things is a testament to the power of curiosity. The protagonist, Alma Whittaker, is driven by her insatiable thirst for knowledge. This book encourages us to explore, to ask questions, and to never stop learning.
The book gives us a glimpse into the life of a female botanist in the 19th century. It's a reminder of the challenges women faced in the scientific field, and how they've paved the way for future generations. It's a great read for anyone interested in the history of women in science.
Gilbert's vivid descriptions of the natural world are a highlight of the book. From the lush gardens of the Whittaker estate to the exotic flora of Tahiti, the author invites us to see the beauty in our surroundings. It's a call to appreciate nature and its wonders.
Alma's journey is not just about scientific discovery, but also a quest for personal understanding and meaning. The Signature of All Things encourages us to look into our own lives, to find our purpose, and to pursue it with passion.
The book explores the many facets of love - romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love. Gilbert shows us that love can be complicated and messy, but it's also a powerful force that can drive us to do incredible things. It's a reminder to cherish the love we have in our lives.
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A captivating, enlightening, and utterly engrossing tale that is destined to become a classic.
Oprah Winfrey - TV host, philanthropistThis novel stands as the pinnacle of Gilbert's career and is possibly the best work of her generation.
Barbara Kingsolver - Novelist, essayistThe Signature of All Things is a bracing homage to the many natures of genius and the inevitable progress of ideas, in a world that reveals its best truths to the uncommonly patient minds.
Ann Patchett - Author, essayist
