The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

Review:

                This is intriguing fictional book of the world of botany and the introduction of the Darwin theory, as seen through a female botanist in the 1800’s. “The Signature of all Things” by Elizabeth Gilbert starts of following Henry Whittaker, the father of the main character Alma Whittaker, as Henry goes from a thief to a well-known botanist with his own successful business.

                Approximately 50 pages later arrives Alma into the world, from whom, the reader follows from birth to the old age of ninety. Throughout these years the reader encounters love, adventure, rejection, and meet botanist, publishers, mad-minded and misunderstood characters. Traveling through Philadelphia, Boston, Tahiti, Holland and more in the 1700-1800’s all in the process.

                The characters have a depth to them that makes you believe that they really could have existed in that time. Though some did, like Captain Cook the captain of the ship of Henry’s first expedition and Darwin and Wallace introducing the theories of Evolution.

                I found this book to be quite interesting with new twist, and unexpected turn of events. I can see how this might not be a book for everyone, as I found some parts hard to get through (mostly the first section). I didn't give up and was in the end glad I pursued finishing it. This story also leaves you thing long after you have finished reading it.

                A must read or at very least an attempt should be made to read it, for it is filled with thought provoking ideas.