The Rarest Fruit
A Novel
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4.8 • 4 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
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
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
French author Belem's remarkable U.S. debut chronicles the life of trailblazing Creole horticulturalist Edmond Albius (1829–1880). Edmond was born into slavery in La Réunion. After his mother dies in childbirth, he's raised by his enslaver, Ferreol, who teaches him the principles of botany, fueling the passion that will define his life. At age 12, he discovers a revolutionary technique for pollinating vanilla orchids, thus producing pods that could meet demand for the coveted spice. But the tension underlying the relationship between a white slave owner and an enslaved Creole boy is exacerbated by the discovery. Based on the little information available about Edmond, the tale follows him through adulthood and explores what may have been the inner life of a man whose invention transformed the economy and culinary history of the West, yet who found no recognition or financial gain for it in his lifetime. Belem's piercing bildungsroman memorializes Edmond while filling in the gaps with a masterful balance of humor, tragedy, and emotional insight. It's an impressive feat.
