Land is Life

The individual stories and recants of the hardships faced by those in Guatemala is an impressive and insightful part of the first six chapters from Lovell’s book. However, the aspect that I found most intriguing and important was the subtle yet significant emphasis placed on the Mayans relationship with land. Without making it obvious in any dominant way, Lovell begins and ends the first portion of his book by talking about the caring, innate relationship Guatemalans have with their countries land. As the author describes, the relationship is less about being owners of the land and rather is focused on the care giving aspect. Through this distinction it is clear that the land gives the Guatemalans much more than a place to plant and cultivate their crops.

In the first chapter Lovell tells the tale of Genaro, a Mayan from Yula who fled his country after his father was murdered and he was put in jail for simply selling ice cream. The land is described through the eyes of this young man as something that is meant to be passed as a sacred gift from father to son. Genaro’s first memory involves the land that he was raised on. He explains that when his father went away his sister and him watched over the animals and land. This description indicates the importance of land not only in a profitable sense but also as a promotion of family cooperation and support.

In the last chapter the author uses a completely different perception, yet still communicates the same message concerning land. Chapter six discusses a famous filmmaker, Mary Ellen Davis, and her unmatched ability to create realistic and heartfelt documentaries about Guatemala. Davis is not a Guatemalan and although she has spent years there has no blood ties to the Mayan people. However, it is even apparent through her eyes the significance of the land. In fact, an entire documentary is devoted to this subject alone. While Western nations emphasize independence and private property rights, the Guatemalans believe that land is only Gods and that it is essential for life.

By starting and ending this section of the book by talking about land, once through the eyes of a native Mayan, and once through the eyes of an esteemed film maker, Lovell connects what is, in my opinion one of the main themes for his book. While there is no doubt that Mayans suffered through the conflict and wars that were created by Spanish invasion and rule, their culture stayed alive and continues to thrive today. If the world wishes to help Guatemala develop, they must start by understanding and accepting Mayan culture - including their intimate relationship with land.