C’est La Guerre

On page 135, a human hand is pressed against the grass. This is highly metaphoric of climate change. The hand is pressed so firmly onto the ground that it looks like there will be an indentation even after the hand is removed. This shows the impact humans have had on the environment. How poetic!

On page 136, Squarzoni is backwards. His eyes are wide open, staring at something we cannot see. Maybe he is staring at the sky, trying to find shapes in the clouds? Or maybe he isn’t really seeing anything – maybe he is lost in his own thoughts? I looked up what “C’est la guerre” means: It cannot be helped. Squarzoni is saying that human violence, humans’ negative impact, cannot be helped. Gosh, that is morbid.

I do not understand why Squarzoni included pages 138 to 146. What could this mean? What is the importance of this?

I really liked the questions Squarzoni posed on page 156 – How do we fight back? Where do we start? These are exactly the questions I have.

We are told the negative impact greenhouse gases are having on our planet. We are scared by images of an apocalypse. Yes, we understand the dire situation we find ourselves in. So what now? What do we do to prevent this from happening?

Page 163 is incredibly romantic. We can tell how beautiful a relationship the Squarzonis have. They are best friends. Not only do they love each other – they respect each other. This is the best romantic relationship possible. So beautiful.

Page 167 is terrifying. We see a woman carrying a jug of water on her head. In the distance, we see shadows. They are fading, dissipating into the air. Is this telling of the future?

Page 168 further shows the Squarzonis’ relationship. She seems truly interested in what he is doing. As she studies the book on climate change, he looks at her. His look is incredibly loving, quietly pleased, and intense. This truly is a wonderful relationship.

Page 172 confused me. Are these pictures from a movie? The clock – time is running out. Eyes are watching. The man lurking in the shadows is both frightening and somehow I think he is frightened. Why would Squarzoni include this?