Karen’s Pick:
January 2014
The Signature of All Things
Elizabeth Gilbert, Hardcover: 512 pages
Alma Whittaker is a homely, intelligent, inquisitive, privileged, self-assured young girl, who is on a constant search for answers (and questions) of all things and in doing so becomes a world traveller and brilliant botanist. Her emancipation and evolution is fully developed through Gilbert’s compelling and painstakingly research novel. In this work of historical fiction, Gilbert’s writing seems to borrow from Dickens’ Great Expectations, Alcott’s Little Women (think Jo March), and Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle! The melding of 19th century science, commerce, and unforgettable characters are done seamlessly and so expressively that Gilbert draws us into the story almost immediately. There were (most) points in the book that I felt I was transcended to the environs inhabited by Alma and the Whittaker Family. At times Gilbert’s writing can seem be a bit “wordy” but you soon appreciate how her elegant choice of words helps paint a rich and vivid story and her obvious mastery the of “Victorian –Style” writing pattern further authenticates the book.
Alma put the magnifying lens to eye and looked again. Now the miniature forest below her gaze fell into majestic detail. She felt her breath catch. This was the Amazon jungle as seen from the back of a harpy eagle. She rode her eye above the surprising landscape, following its path in every direction. Here were rich, abundant valleys filled with tiny trees of braided mermaid hair and minuscule, tangled vines.
I marveled at Alma’s ability to deal with the many challenges and obstacles she faces but which never deters her extraordinary quests. She is an engrossing woman, of extraordinary ability and determination. Her life’s journey towards enlightenment is somewhat circuitous- filled with twists, turns, and surprises, which is why I could not put this book down. I highly recommend Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things. It is one of my favorite novels of all time.