The Signature of All Things (Elizabeth Gilbert)

This historical fiction novel focuses on the life of Alma Whittaker, from her birth to her death approximately 90 years later. Alma, the daughter of a famed, self-made botanist is born in the United States in 1800. She grows up isolated on a large estate, receiving an aggressive education. She quickly develops an interest and an aptitude for the study of plants. Unfortunately, Alma is a homely woman who often feels overshadowed by her beautiful adopted sister. Despite her mother's best attempts, Alma never develops a lady-like character. She would rather argue with scientists over the dinner table than sit elegantly and quietly.

Alma, due to her appearance, her devotion to her father and her desire to work continuously, finds herself isolated and lonely. She feels sexually repressed, but hides her longing in order to conform to the conventions of society. She struggles with large philosophical and scientific questions about life that she and those she knows cannot answer. She spends her whole life pre-occupied with time and a thirst for knowledge. Reading this book, I was so wrapped up in the character of Alma that each disappointment, each instance of unrequited love and each moment of hopeless loneliness, I felt acutely. At about 500 pages, The Signature of All Things is worth every page.