SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZELONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMENS PRIZE FOR FICTIONQuite simply one of the best novels I have read in years Elizabeth Day ObserverCharming . . . extensively researched compellingly readable Jane Shilling Daily TelegraphSumptuous . . . Gilberts prose is by turns flinty funny and incandescent New YorkerA captivating story of botany exploration and desire by the multimillion copy bestselling author of Eat Pray LoveEverything about life intrigues Alma Whittaker. Her passion for botany leads her far from home from London to Peru to Tahiti in pursuit of that rare specimen knowledge. But as her careful studies draw her deeper into the mysteries of evolution she meets the man who she will come to love whose perspective radically different from her own will transform the way she understands the world. Radiating with all the heart soul and earthiness as its unforgettable heroine The Signature of All Things is a captivating celebration of the workings of this world and the mechanisms behind all life.My own 500pager of choice Elizabeth Gilberts The Signature of All Things . . . just read it . . . Hugely enjoyable Viv Groskop Observer Books of the YearThe story of Alma Whittakers journey of discovery has irresistible momentum Helen Dunmore The TimesGilbert has written the novel of a lifetime O The Oprah MagazineFilled with dazzling storytelling Susie Boyt Financial Times