Have you ever considered the importance of knowing our history? How vital is it to understand the account of our past before we can truly comprehend the present? In Joel Machak’s novel “WilderSkies: How Man’s War on Nature Began,” the discovery of history takes center stage, revealing a tale that connects the core of nature with the complications of the human soul.

With the introduction of this narrative, we are thrust back 20,000 years into a society coping with upheaval as their revered Earth Mother, Nokomis, falls ill. Amidst her hallucinations, Nokomis urges her apprentice, Aeralae, to carve their history onto mammoth ivory. She believes that disclosing the truth is vital, despite the chaos surrounding them. Nokomis’s insistence on sharing the entire past, even as her people clamor for the return of their king, underscores the importance of preserving and understanding the past.

 “My child, what is it?” Nokomis’s concern for Aeralae echoes her dedication to ensuring the truth is preserved, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of history. As Aeralae meditates their connection to the land, she reflects, “I wonder if they are our clams,” hinting at the deep-rooted association between humanity and nature. “It must be told,” Nokomis emphasizes, identifying the urgency of their task despite external pressures. Through these quotations, Machak showcase the importance of welcoming our unique perspectives and sharing the truth, even when it challenges societal norms.

Moving forward, Machak sets the stage for the novel’s overarching themes. Here, Aeralae probes into the task of carving the mammoth ivory under Nokomis’s guidance, uncovering the Earth Mother’s tumultuous past. Nokomis reveals her abduction by marauders during a harsh cold season, shedding light on the desperation that drove their actions. “You have a special vision, I think. You must work to capture it,” Nokomis encourages Aeralae, stressing the importance of for the artist of adopting one’s unique viewpoint. As Nokomis shares the existence of another land across the sea to the east, where the King’s Own People originated, she reinforces the relevance of understanding true history. “And in the end, you will see. The king’s return? No. In the end, you and your people will have something much more important to live for, I think,” Nokomis’s revelation challenges deeply held beliefs, urging readers to question their assumptions about the past.

Through these pivotal moments, Machak imparts a profound lesson: the importance of preserving and understanding the true past, even in the face of ambiguity and impending doom. He accentuates that knowledge of the past is essential for charting the hurdles of the present and future. Additionally, Machak underscores the power of storytelling and the responsibility of passing down truth to future generations.

So, dear reader, heed the call of adventure and immerse yourself in the pages of “WilderSkies.” For within its confines lies a tale that transcends mere storytelling – it is a legacy to the enduring power of humanity’s collective consciousness and the timeless wisdom of our planet Earth.