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
MaryG Waithaka –
Fantastic book. I started it this morning at 6.30am in the salon and was glued to every single word! The first section brought out so many emotions, I was tearing up. Came home and continued reading. It is safe to say, I had a very unproductive work day, lol! By 4om. I was on the last page and actually felt sad that it was finished. A fantastic story. So very well told. Definitely worth your while. Fair warning though. Be prepared for no sleep if you start it in the evening 😁😁 Well done Ciru!
MaryG Waithaka –
I started this book at 6.30am this morning in the salon. I was glued to every. Single. Page. Came home and continued reading. I was so happy that today was a light day so. That I could focus on it fully! By 4pm, I was on the last page and so disappointed that it was finished. Thrilling read. Awesome story and so very well told. Definitely worth your time. Fair warning though.. If you start it in the evening, you can say goodbye to your beauty sleep 😁😁 Well done Ciru!
Wangui –
A must read. A well told story that speaks to many issues in our society today.
Abby Lati –
I loved every page I turned. Wanjiru never disappoints! Can’t wait for her next book