Olivier Remaud enchants with 'Amphibian Nocturne,' an ecological tale

Philosopher Olivier Remaud invites readers to consider the world from a unique vantage point in his latest work, "Nocturne amphibien. Un conte écologique" (Amphibian Nocturne. An Ecological Tale). Moving beyond human perspectives, Remaud immerses himself in the world of amphibians to explore ecological concerns.

The book opens with a fable-like narrative. Remaud recounts a dream where he is visited by a Pyrenean frog, whom he names Narsa – a name derived from the Occitan word for marshes and wetlands. Without hesitation, Remaud follows the frog into a body of water, undergoing a metaphorical metamorphosis to become an amphibian himself.

This transformation allows him to accompany Narsa on an extraordinary journey. Their adventure takes them from a pond in the Rambouillet forest to the mountain torrents of the frog's native region. The narrative is described as a "Jules Verne-esque" voyage through the "entrails of the Earth," suggesting a deep, subterranean exploration that parallels Remaud's philosophical descent into the amphibian consciousness.

Through this imaginative and unconventional approach, "Nocturne amphibien" aims to foster a deeper connection with the natural world and highlight ecological issues. Remaud, known for his previous works like "Penser comme un iceberg" (Thinking Like an Iceberg) and "Quand les montagnes dansent" (When the Mountains Dance), continues his exploration of non-human perspectives and their relevance to understanding our planet.