66 pages • 2 hours read
Elizabeth GilbertThe Signature of All Things
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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 The story includes self-harm and outdated and offensive terms used to describe Black and Indigenous people and gay men.
Reviews & Readership
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.