The Signature of All Things: A Novel

pathetism—the idea that chance could be induced by suggestion—which

“You see, I have never felt the need to invent a world beyond this world, for this world has always seemed large and beautiful enough for me.

obdurate.

“the signature of all things”—namely, that God had hidden clues for humanity’s betterment inside the design of every flower, leaf, fruit, and tree on earth. All the natural world was a divine code, Boehme claimed, containing proof of our Creator’s love.

ebullience

There is so much more potency to be found in detail than in generalities, but most souls cannot train themselves to sit still for it.”

“I will tell you why we have these extraordinary minds and souls, Miss Whittaker,” he continued, as though he had not heard her. “We have them because there is a supreme intelligence in the universe, which wishes for communion with us. This supreme intelligence longs to be known. It calls out to us. It draws us close to its mystery, and it grants u

vitriolic.

verdant,