66 pages • 2 hours read
The Signature of All Things
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Book Brief
528
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1800s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert follows the life of Alma Whittaker, a curious botanist born to a wealthy Philadelphia family, as she navigates love, loss, and scientific discovery. The novel spans Alma's childhood, her fascination with botany, and her travels, ultimately leading to her insights on evolution, paralleling Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work. The story includes self-harm and outdated and offensive terms used to describe Black and Indigenous people and gay men.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
139,323 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things receives praise for its rich historical detail, well-developed characters, and lyrical prose. Critics commend its intellectual exploration of science and nature. However, some find its pacing uneven and argue the dense botanical descriptions can be overwhelming. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and immersive read.
Who Should Read The Signature of All Things?
Readers who appreciate richly detailed historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and botanical science will enjoy The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. Fans of Eat, Pray, Love by the same author or The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd will find this novel equally compelling.
139,323 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
528
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1800s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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