Study Notes on 'Back to The Land' by Laia Jufresa

BACK TO THE LAND

Author: Laia Jufresa
Translator: Sophie Hughes

INTRODUCTION

  • The narrative begins three months after the protagonist's mother, referred to as Mom, sold their apartment and moved them to a new land.

  • The Land is characterized by a rudimentary house, mature fruit trees, a latrine, and a well within a barbed-wire fenced perimeter.

MOVING TO THE LAND

  • Mom's plan was to renovate their new house immediately upon arrival.

  • Initially, the family chose to sleep outside in the backyard.

  • Mom developed an interest in studying the night sky, frequently taking blankets to a clearing in the woods to stargaze.

    • She named constellations like Hydra, Fornax, Carina, which became characters in the narrator's bedtime stories.

A NIGHT OF TERROR

  • On what becomes their last night outdoors, a terrifying incident occurred:

    • Mom screams, claiming to see a fox, a species previously unseen in the area.

    • Mom injured her left hand during the encounter, prompting them to seek alcohol for treatment.

    • The narrator describes a mix of fear and relief as Mom tends to her injury, showcasing a transformation into a more primal version of herself.

  • The narrator feels left behind and panics when Mom orders her to wait.

  • The ensuing chaos leads them to flag down a car for help, during which the narrator has her first significant adult interaction.

  • They arrive at a clinic where Mom's injuries are treated, but she loses significant use of her left hand, transforming her into a determined and laborious figure, now in a battle against the Land.

THE STRUGGLE WITH THE LAND

  • Over years, Mom fights against the harsh conditions of the Land, which throws various adversities:

    • Floods

    • Molds

    • Frosts

    • Ant infestations

  • Despite hardships, they manage to cultivate a stable lifestyle, purchasing livestock and producing goods for market sales.

  • They eventually install electricity and running water, achieving a semblance of comfort.

THE CURSE

  • Maternal pride regarding homegrown produce is undercut by a persistent curse affecting their lemons, which appear beautiful yet remain desiccated internally.

  • Mom’s obsession with lemons, despite their failure to grow, drives her to frustration, and she insists on buying lemons leading to personal distress.

  • The narrator recalls incidents with bunnies that underscored the Land's curse, calling into question the idea of forgiveness from the Land—now perceived as a dominating force.

DANCE AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

  • As seasons change, a longing for dance emerges in both the narrator and Mom, marking a shift in focus towards artistic expression.

  • They plan to build a dance studio, pouring time and resources into this venture despite ongoing hardships.

    • Material collection becomes a community effort, with neighbors providing assistance.

  • Their studio lacks a wall, exemplifying both a desire for beauty and the practical challenges they face.

A RITUALISTIC DANCING EXPERIENCE

  • The dance becomes a sacred ritual shared between the narrator and Mom; they engage in free movement, encountering joy despite the Land's underlying curse.

  • This ritual helps them reconnect with a sense of freedom, indicating a blend of memories of urban and rural life.

THE ROOSTER INCIDENT

  • One fateful day, they return to find their rooster dead, having attacked its reflection in the studio’s mirror.

    • The discovery deeply shocks them, triggering an emotional response in both.

  • This incident leads to a pivotal change as Mom decides to buy glass to fix the studio permanently.

    • She prepares to leave, indicating a rift that leads to her permanent absence from the narrator's life.

THE AFTERMATH OF MOM'S DEPARTURE

  • Mom's absence becomes a prominent theme as the narrator navigates life alone.

  • The concept of the Land emerges as a malevolent force that entices relationships and sacrifices.

  • The narrator's letters to Mom are filled with deception about her life, masking the harsh realities of living and laboring on the Land alone.

REFLECTIONS ON THE LAND

  • The narrator accepts her fate as a servant of the Land, performing rituals to appease it, such as taking care of an altar.

  • The studio, despite its physical imperfections, becomes a place of reverence embodied by both creativity and sacrifice.

  • Memories of Mom linger, with the narrator reminiscing about their joint rituals in the studio, capturing both nostalgia and painful reminders of loss.

  • The narrative ends with the protagonist maintaining life on the Land, entangled in the complexities of loss, identity, and an enduring connection to both the Land and her mother.