The Rarest Fruit: A Novel

NEW YORK TIMES 100 NOTABLE BOOK OF 2025 Best Book of the Year - Washington Independent Review of Books “A gorgeous novel.”—New York Times Based on a true story, The Rarest Fruit is a captivating tale of resilience, discovery, and the secret history of a beloved flavor. Born into slavery, orphaned at an early age, and raised by a passionate botanist on Réunion Island, Edmond Albius will defy the expectations of his time and, with his extraordinary natural talent for botany, revolutionize global culinary culture by discovering the secret life of vanilla orchids. A novel of 19-century adventure, perseverance, a book at the intersection of science, exploration, and cuisine, The Rarest Fruit brings to light the contributions of a Black botanical innovator, who, during a time of colonial exploitation and against all odds, changed food culture forever. It is both a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of history and a vivid portrayal of intertwined destinies shaped by a single discovery. “The book is that rare find: a revealing, history-infused novel that spills its tale with the eager breathlessness, wry commentary, and frank truths of a close friend... exquisite.”—Christian Science Monitor
ASIN: B0DGWTNS42
VSKU: BVV.B0DGWTNS42.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Bélem, Gaëlle|Serle, Hildegarde
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item is very worn but is perfectly usable. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, worn and creased covers, folded page corners and minor liquid stains. All pages and the cover are intact, but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include moderate to heavy amount of notes and highlighting, but the text is not obscured or unreadable. Page edges may have foxing age related spots and browning . May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.