The Signature of All Things
By Elizabeth Gilbert
- Release Date: 2013-10-01
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
A glorious, sweeping novel of desire, ambition, and the thirst for knowledge, from the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and Committed
In The Signature of All Things, Elizabeth Gilbert returns to fiction, inserting her inimitable voice into an enthralling story of love, adventure and discovery. Spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the extraordinary Whittaker family as led by the enterprising Henry Whittaker—a poor-born Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade, eventually becoming the richest man in Philadelphia. Born in 1800, Henry’s brilliant daughter, Alma (who inherits both her father’s money and his mind), ultimately becomes a botanist of considerable gifts herself. As Alma’s research takes her deeper into the mysteries of evolution, she falls in love with a man named Ambrose Pike who makes incomparable paintings of orchids and who draws her in the exact opposite direction—into the realm of the spiritual, the divine, and the magical. Alma is a clear-minded scientist; Ambrose a utopian artist—but what unites this unlikely couple is a desperate need to understand the workings of this world and the mechanisms behind all life.
Exquisitely researched and told at a galloping pace, The Signature of All Things soars across the globe—from London to Peru to Philadelphia to Tahiti to Amsterdam, and beyond. Along the way, the story is peopled with unforgettable characters: missionaries, abolitionists, adventurers, astronomers, sea captains, geniuses, and the quite mad. But most memorable of all, it is the story of Alma Whittaker, who—born in the Age of Enlightenment, but living well into the Industrial Revolution—bears witness to that extraordinary moment in human history when all the old assumptions about science, religion, commerce, and class were exploding into dangerous new ideas. Written in the bold, questing spirit of that singular time, Gilbert’s wise, deep, and spellbinding tale is certain to capture the hearts and minds of readers.
Reviews
Lovely…. Enjoyed immensely
5By S-A-BonnetWhat a beautiful novel, cannot imagine coming up with this exquisite story…thoroughly enjoyed itThe Signature of all Things
3By Another Linda CI have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the intelligence of the writing, and the extensive research that went into it. It kept me engaged, but not excessively. I disliked Alma, the protagonist, mostly because of her approach to sexuality. I found it perverse, rather than sensuous. Had the story been based on an actual woman, I would have found it far more interesting.Excellent!!
5By lizcollieI absolutely loved this book! Every time I begin a new book, I hope it engages me as much as The Signature of All Things. I’m an avid reader and this book will undoubtedly remain one of my all time favorites.Touching
4By grsrbrA touching book that shows all the beautiful ways in which love can be felt and expressed. The relationships here feel very real as does the passion for botany. Incredibly well written and another great work by Mrs. Gilbert.Expertly woven
5By Dubsee1Gilbert weaves an epic story, a century long adventure, with unique individuals, and science. It is a masterful study of souls, loves, and our natural world.Amazing
5By Jane305The fastest, most engaging thousand pages you’ll ever read. I’ll never forget Alma and her amazing life that literally came alive in this story.MEH
2By SchmidtegNot the best book I have read!Slooowww
1By lthoma2Boring beyond belief.Amazing story, beautifully told
5By Reads-at-nightThis story was fascinating, and incredibly well written. Elizabeth Gilbert knows how to use language. It is a romance, a generational saga, a travelogue, a history, and a scientific treatise—a masterpiece of fiction.Dry and endless
1By AaddesggNeeds heavy editing ... and a plot.Enjoyable read, great characters
4By Jayline87If you like well developed characters you’ll like this book. The relationships between the characters are wonderfully developed too. I also really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the development of science and botany over the course of the 19th century and I thought the details of Henry Whittaker’s journey from botany to pharmaceuticals was fascinating. My favorite part of the book would have to be the thing that bothered Alma the most: if kindness serves no evolutionary function why do we show it? It’s a good read. It slows towards the middle but picks back up for a good ending.A masterpiece!
5By Economan1I’m not 68, very widely read, and a lover of many disciplines. This book ranks among the best I’ve read. It is quite simply a tour de force, spanning science, literature, psychology, history, religion, travel, and love. The author can expect to die happily, having left something of real value and inspiration for generations to come, much as Alma Whittaker felt in her last days.Signature of All Things
5By LRL820One of the most engrossing and excellent books I’ve read in the past decade.Brilliant!
5By davidsumnernycBrilliant! Gilbert at her very best. Possibly her best writing to date. An epic by any measure- one that delights. I hated that it ended.The Signature of All Things
5By HsutshtshtshtdhtsI can not properly write a review of this novel, which is a masterpiece: It is truly four novels in one My wish is those who admire brilliant writing, complex theories, people, and layers on layers of history, would read this story: it's breathtaking, heartbreaking, beautiful and thought provoking: Rest in Peace the beautiful and talented, Miss Alma WhitakerSurprisingly Awesome
5By TWJaneI did not know what to expect, but I just loved it. So well written.Bittersweet, far reaching and comprehensive
5By DeDaSonI thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an avid reader it was nice to read a book that had both length and depth to it.The Signature of All Things
5By ArtinspireswonderBrilliant, intricate, intelligent story. Weaving art and heart and science in an easy voice. Important yet humble. Thank you to the author and all of the humble thinkers and writers that have come before and coexist now. More than 3 to be sure.Great Read!
5By Roger ColeGilbert has done it again. If she continues she will become if she isn't already my favorite author of all time. It is difficult finding books that maintain my attention, but she definitely has done so. Well done Liz!
