The book
New York Times Notable Book of 2025
Washington Independent Review of Books Best Book of the Year
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.
“A gorgeous novel.”—New York Times
The author
Gaëlle Bélem
Gaëlle Bélem was born in Saint-Benoît, Réunion. Her English-language debut, There’s a Monster Behind the Door, has been long-listed for the 2025 International Booker Prize. The Rarest Fruit is her American debut.
Press
- Mar 27 2025
★ “An impressive feat.”
— Publishers Weekly