There is a framed illustration in my 6-year-old daughter’s room, showcasing a vibrant array of exotic creatures from the Amazon rainforest. This artwork, crafted by my mother almost three decades ago for a National Geographic children’s book, holds a special place in her heart. At times, my little girl inquires about the animals depicted, such as the golden lion tamarin, emerald tree boa, and collared anteater.
Amidst the ravaging fires that engulfed a significant portion of the Amazon—the Earth’s essential lungs, severely impacted by deforestation—the sight of my mother’s illustration became challenging to behold. Answering my daughter’s queries about the artwork often proved emotionally strenuous.
We find ourselves in an era overshadowed by a pervasive sense of environmental loss, navigating our daily lives and nurturing our children amidst a backdrop of profound unraveling. It is within this poignant context that Lydia Millet’s latest book, “We Loved It All,” emerges as a crucial literary offering. In this remarkable departure from her usual fiction writing, Millet delivers a poignant tribute to life in all its peculiar, marvelous, and endangered forms.
Millet, a Pulitzer Prize finalist renowned for her exploration of environmental themes in novels like “”, delves into nonfiction with “We Loved It All.” Described by her publisher as an “anti-memoir,” this book defies simple categorization due to its expansive thematic scope. Drawing from her extensive involvement in endangered species advocacy at the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Millet combines her profound ecological insights with her skills as a compelling storyteller to create a work of profound impact. She eloquently illustrates how modernity has severed the deep connection between humanity and the natural world, endeavoring to bridge this gap through spiritual reflection and radical realignment.
In the early chapters, Millet reflects on the enduring influence of animals in childhood, which often diminishes as we mature. She poignantly observes that as we grow, we distance ourselves from the animal kingdom, mirroring our culture’s historical shift away from other species.
“We Loved It All” unfolds through poetic vignettes, allowing Millet to seamlessly navigate diverse anecdotes and ideas. From personal recollections—including a touching account of her father’s passing shortly after her daughter’s birth—to captivating profiles of various species like the green sea turtle facing gender imbalances due to climate change, Millet weaves a rich tapestry of narratives. She delves into the destructive forces of capitalism and corporate greed propelling us towards a climate crisis, urging readers to confront humanity’s place within the vast timeline of Earth’s history.
Central to the narrative is the theme of parenthood and the profound responsibility it entails, especially in the face of environmental upheaval. Millet poignantly expresses her fears for the world her children will inherit, underscoring the urgent need for collective action and remembrance of species lost to extinction. By honoring the memory of vanished creatures like Lonesome George and Martha the passenger pigeon, Millet urges us to advocate for the preservation of existing biodiversity.
Despite the melancholic undertones, “We Loved It All” exudes resilience and determination, emphasizing the importance of wonder and joy in the face of adversity. Millet contemplates the power of storytelling to inspire action and shape our perception of what is achievable, offering a glimmer of hope in a time of uncertainty.
As the book concludes, Millet emphasizes the critical role of narratives in driving positive change, urging us to envision a future where humanity coexists harmoniously with the natural world. She envisions a collective effort to safeguard the planet for future generations, emphasizing that the time for action is now. Amidst the challenges of the present, Millet finds a sense of purpose and privilege in confronting the monumental task of shaping the world for generations to come.
In essence, “We Loved It All” is a profound and thought-provoking work that lingers in the reader’s mind, much like the resonant calls of wild geese in Mary Oliver’s poetry. Through her poignant prose, Millet guides us back to our intrinsic connection with the Earth, reminding us of our place in the intricate tapestry of life.