August book of the month: THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS. Come and chat to author Elizabeth Gilbert on Thursday 18 September, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Oprah magazine called our August choice ‘the book of a lifetime’, and there is no doubt that The Signature of All Things is a big book.

It is epic in scope – an adventure through the nineteenth century that takes in botany, female emancipation, genius, Darwinism, war and empire – with a delight in the boundless beauty of the natural world.

Elizabeth Gilbert is an award-winning writer of both fiction and non-fiction, and the author of the phenomenal bestseller Eat Pray Love, which was published in over thirty languages and sold more than ten million copies worldwide. Elizabeth will be joining us for a webchat to chat about this book and her other fiction and non-fiction in early September - date TBC.

We have 50 copies of The Signature of all Things to giveaway. Apply here for a a free copy. If you're one of the lucky 50 we will inform you next Tuesday (22nd July). If you don't access a free copy, order it up online to read over the summer to join us for bookclub in September.

[ImperialBlether]

I would love to read this. I've read some fantastic books recommended by Oprah.

[Trenzalor]

Oo yes please!

[Iflyaway]

I,ve read it. It,s great (if a little too long...).

Look forward to the web chat.

[DuchessofMalfi]

I read it a couple of weeks ago, and really enjoyed it. Sped through it in a week. It's a wonderful tale, and if you haven't read it you're in for a real treat :)

[GretchenWiener]

I'm reading atm and am loving it. I was so put off by the author but it's totally different to her other thing

[GretchenWiener]

(My Oprah experience is NOT good)

[ImperialBlether]

This is a selection of the books Oprah has chosen for her book club.

I've not read all of them, but there are some fantastic books there.

[MyrtleSnow]

Yes please from me too...

[frazzledbutcalm]

Have applied, fingers crossed.

[mom2010]

I liked Eat Pray and Love, not so much for the story but more for her style. Gilbert has a great writing style and I am curious to find out if she is as good with fiction as she was with her memoir! Have applied and as always will post a review on my findings! :)

[laurano81]

Oh sounds delightful! I love nothing better than to escape through the pages of a wonderful book x

[TillyBookClub]

Just a quick hello to say looking forward to hearing what you all think of this, and do let us know when your free copies arrive so we can check they have gone out safely.

We are just finalising the date for the webchat and will post up here as soon as we have confirmation.

[laurano81]

Oh I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! x

[jetSTAR]

I was very excited to receive my copy the other day. Thank you!

Imagine my surprise when I received another copy today

Did anyone else get 2? What shall I do with the spare copy? I'd quite like to give it to a friend...

[PittTheYounger]

you will LOVE it

but the end goes on a bit

[laurano81]

oh I didn't get one ...I was looking forward to reading it x

[mom2010]

me too..

[Southeastdweller]

Just thought I'd mention I've seen this book for £2 in Tesco.

[Algy1000]

My copy arrived last week - and I'm really excited to read it.

[Shaler]

Thank you for my copy. I am in the middle of reading it and enjoying it. Will post review once I have finished it.

[MrsRedWhite214]

I've just got through part one - it'll take a while to finish, but loving it so far!

[Sarah3kids]

Just finished!! What a great read - what pleased me most was how fluid the book read. Its content could have been quite heavy but it was very enlightening. Whatever pre-conceived ideas you may have whilst reading this book are dashed at every turn, was sad to finish it. Thanks for the book.

[mugglelady]

Just finished this book and loved it. Amazing read

[museumworker]

Thanks so much for the free copy! It was a great read - I have a 3 week old baby (+ 2 other DC) but despite sleep deprivation couldn't put it down. Gilbert has an easy style which carries you through some weighty subject matter. Loved the main character, she seemed very authentic and strong, in a quiet and flawed way. It felt epic in terms of scope, ranging across lifetimes, big questions, and the world. Wasn't sure about the ending though as felt too neat, like deliberately trying to tie in with real people and debates of the period.

[BsshBosh]

I'm getting this book tomorrow (it's in the mail room at work) and can't wait to read it. I dislike her previous work but this one seems like a pleasant departure. An epic. Excited now!