The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
A historical novel set during the founding of America with a focus on botany. It doesn't sound gripping, but is is.
It's the story of Alama Whitaker, the daughter of a Dutch mother and terribly rich American father, who reside on a huge estate in Philadelphia. We are with Alma from birth to death. I really don't want to give anything away because I want everyone to read it with the surprise and delight I had. The talk of botany, the character depictions, the sailing around the world...why can't we learn history this way in school?
I am blown away that Elizabeth Gilbert changed genres with such brilliance. She had the period and the dialogue down so well, I started thinking like the book. And I didn't mind it a bit.
General consensus: A damn good read. I ate the second half in one night.
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