... but most houses in California were built without roots, leaving us trapped above ground with the light

... but most houses in California were built without roots, leaving us trapped above ground with the light

Karen Thompson Walker is a renowned author known for her unique and thought-provoking storytelling. In her novel "The Age of Miracles," she explores the concept of change and adaptation in the face of a catastrophic event. One of the most striking passages in the book is when she writes, "... but most houses in California were built without roots, leaving us trapped above ground with the light."

This passage is a powerful metaphor for the way in which modern society has become disconnected from the natural world. In California, a state known for its rapid development and sprawling urban landscapes, many houses are built without proper foundations or connections to the earth. This lack of roots symbolizes the way in which we have become detached from the land and the environment, living in a state of artificiality and impermanence.

The idea of being "trapped above ground with the light" speaks to the sense of disorientation and vulnerability that comes with this disconnect. Without roots to ground us, we are left floating above the surface, exposed to the harsh realities of the world. The light, in this context, represents both the harsh truth of our situation and the hope that we can find a way to adapt and survive.