The Individual does not Exist in Isolation

I think the most beautiful part about Squarzoni’s ending is that it was one word: NO. One last act of defiance, that he will not lose this planet without a fight. Maybe I am overthinking it, but his refusal in a way is inspiring. He knows that we will not walk through that door, but he does not believe that we will do nothing either. That in and of itself, was possibly the best way to end the book. It was somber sure, but a bit hopeful also.

One of his quotes that I just happened to title the blog post with, really struck me. It ties up his point that change does not occur with one person making an effort. It is a society full of individuals who believe in change that creates change.

But let’s get off of this philosophical stuff. Can we talk about the phantom dog in the last few graphics? That really hurt my heart. Not in a bad way. It was poignant. He found a way to include his lost puppy in the final steps of his journey since she was such an important part of the memoir. I read this book once called A Mango Shaped Space and it was about this girl who has an interesting optical dysfunction that allows her the see colors when she hears words or reads. But her cat dies, and everywhere she goes she feels the presence of her cat. In a way, Squarzoni has a Mira shaped space following him around.