Invisible Lines by Maxim Samson: The Lines That Divide

“Humans assign meaning to specific locations, converting abstract, loosely defined ‘space’ into distinguishable, consequential ‘place.'”

Starting with fare familiar to those with an interest in physical geography, Maxim Samson’s first book begins with an examination of the tangible features that create differences — an ocean region where winds rarely exist because of the sun’s constant presence, or a northern point on the map after which trees cannot grow for lack of warmth. However, it is through the majority of the vignettes where Invisible Lines: Boundaries and Belts that Define the World earns its’ title, as an exploration of human geography; specifically, how humanity continues to do an excellent job of creating differences out of thin air and where none would otherwise exist.

“Such boundaries … imagined, shifting, contested, infused with assumptions and stereotypes, appearing so simple and yet constituted from complexity — always need to be considered … only by addressing the invisible … can we truly understand our place in the world.”

Through 31 relatively short vignettes around the world and throughout history, Invisible Lines points out the myriad ways people search to unify by shared interests, values, and ethics, but then create division at the same time. No, there’s nothing about this particular neighbourhood that makes one person fundamentally different from another a block away — yet, once they don blue football kit instead of black, or sleep in a bed on this side of the brick wall otherwise arbitrarily erected, they become the “other.” Attributes change; assumptions entrench.

I found that the vignettes were a good style choice. Despite an uncomplicated and approachable writing style, the sheer volume of Samson’s research — a good thing, to be clear — can still make this intriguing read a little thick at times. That said, I find myself reconsidering the invisible lines we all have a hand in creating and perpetuating — the choices that we, as societies, continue to make despite history telling us otherwise, and how the boundaries we hold onto tightly are largely of our own imagination.

The mark of a successful thesis and a compelling exploration, arguably.

MAXIM SAMSON is a geographer with specific interests in religion, education, and cities. Originally from England, Maxim is currently based in Chicago, where he teaches at DePaul University and chairs an international research group specializing in the geographies of religions and belief systems. In his spare time, he enjoys long-distance running, maintaining his Duolingo streak, and gradually adding to his kaleidoscopic flag collection. Invisible Lines is his first book.

Publisher: House of Anansi Press (February 13, 2024)
Paperback 6″ x 9″ | 416 pages
ISBN: 9781487012847

Bryn Robinson

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Bryn Robinson lives in Quispamsis, NB, although she still, and always will, consider herself a Saint Johner. She uses her BA in psychology and French, and her PhD in experimental psychology, from the University of New Brunswick, to help her support health research in the province. She prefers contemporary fiction, narrative non-fiction, graphic novels and poetry - and if they are humorous, all the better. When not reading, she's exploring the New Brunswick forests and seascapes, camera in hand.