The Signature of All Things

Abstract

The novel follows Alma Whittaker, who was born in the 1800’s to a rich Englishman (initially from a poor family). She is a very gifted botanist and delves deep into biology and the theories of evolution, until she eventually falls in love with a man, Ambrose Pike, who is very much her opposite, being attracted to everything spiritual, abstract and magical. Thus, her rationality and love of science are confronted by Ambrose’s artistic creations and spirituality. The novel addresses the role of women in the 19th century, creating a character that is brilliantly determined, active, and with a keen interest in science, very much defying the typical role of the feminine gender at the time.