Dispersals; on plants, borders, and belonging by Jessica J. Lee examines our perceptions on what it means to be invasive. Lee’s exceptional knowledge and colourful story telling draws parallels between the invasive species of plants that surround us and her own feelings of belonging to any one place.
The child of immigrants, Jessica was born in Ontario, and wonders how it is that people and plants come to belong. She traces the travels of plants who have crossed borders as she herself moves from one place to another, finding roots and history as she goes.
While tracing the dispersion of her parents and grandparent, she traces too the way plants move from one place to another, unaware of borders. Lee not only examines her own feelings of belonging, but also the way those perceptions change as she marries, has a baby and starts a family of her own.
As she writes in the prologue, “These are essays written for a world in motion. Plants that, in dispersal, might teach us what it means to live in the wake of change.” in 14 beautifully composed essays, Lee examines what it means “to be a plant out of place.” She also looks at being an immigrant and whether plants are invasive weeds or wanted commodities like oranges and mangoes.
I found Lee’s depiction of the history of plants, their travels and the cultural and emotional significance they hold in our lives to be thought-provoking and touching. I loved this book and learned so much. I hope you will give it a read too!