Book club Politics and Literature: Literary Work and Work Collectives | Joseph Ponthus: Am laufenden Band

17.03.2025 - 17.03.2025

The discussion of this text — a collection of poetic notes in blank verse, according to the subtitle — evoked personal memories among readers. Many mentioned work experiences in factories or elsewhere that had shaped them. These experiences highlight how effectively Ponthus captured the reality of repetitive, highly restrictive and precarious work.

The book's success is largely due to its literary style, with the author's decision to juxtapose highly rhythmic fragments that are more akin to poetry than narrative proving particularly effective. Music plays a significant role in the book, with the author frequently referencing the songs he sings to himself to pass the time and endure the upcoming workday or night shift. Several readers said that they read the book while listening to the mentioned songs, as if they were a personal soundtrack. This obvious literary quality greatly appealed to the members of the book club. Despite the horrific nature of the reality it describes (especially the scenes in the slaughterhouse), they all reported how much they enjoyed reading this book.

The discussion then turned to the meaning of work and why anyone would subject themselves to such an experience. This question was particularly pertinent given that the author died aged just 40, a few months after the publication of his hugely successful book. Opinions on the meaning of work differed, leading to a discussion about the political and non-political dimensions of the text. The text captures the solidarity that develops through small gestures in everyday working life very well. However, it leaves out other issues, such as the relationship between temporary workers and strikes, and the catastrophic ecological consequences of the agricultural and food industry in Brittany.

The question of time was also discussed, given its central role in the text. How can you get through agonising minutes that wear down your body and mind? How can you plan your life when contracts only last a few weeks? How can you lead a normal life when you work at night? These questions all arise during the course of the text, and the book club members identified them as an essential part of the relationship with work.

It was one of the most popular books in the book club this season. Beyond its obvious literary quality, this first-person account of a personal experience evoked many emotions and personal memories, establishing itself as a powerful work of literature that appeals to everyone.