BOOK

La Centrale, the first novel by Élisabeth Filhol, offers a poignant and realistic exploration of working conditions in the nuclear industry. Published in 2010, this book highlights the challenges and dangers faced by temporary workers responsible for the maintenance of nuclear power plants.

Cover of the book "La Centrale"

The story follows Yann, a temporary worker who travels across France to perform maintenance work in various power plants. Through his eyes, Filhol depicts a world where precariousness and risk are omnipresent. The workers, often exposed to dangerous radiation, live in constant uncertainty, juggling temporary jobs and difficult living conditions.

Élisabeth Filhol, the author of "La Centrale"

Filhol particularly focuses on the widespread subcontracting in the nuclear sector. This massive reliance on temporary workers raises questions about safety and responsibility. Indeed, these workers are often the first exposed to dangers, but also the most easily replaceable. The novel highlights the progressive dehumanization of work, where economic imperatives take precedence over employee well-being.

A nuclear power plant, central to the novel's setting

Filhol's writing is marked by an almost clinical precision, meticulously describing the daily gestures and inner thoughts of her characters. This immersive approach allows readers to fully feel the anxiety and psychological exhaustion faced by these modern "nomads." The palpable tension throughout the novel reflects the constant pressure exerted on these workers.

La Centrale also addresses the psychological consequences of this precarious lifestyle. The character of Loïc, a colleague of Yann, tragically illustrates this reality: unable to bear the pressure, he ends up committing suicide. This personal tragedy highlights the devastating effects of a system that grinds its employees.

In conclusion, La Centrale is much more than a critique of the nuclear sector; it is a reflection on the human condition in the face of a ruthless world of work. Élisabeth Filhol succeeds in giving a voice to the "voiceless," these invisible workers whose sacrifice often goes unnoticed. Through her incisive writing and deep empathy for her characters, Filhol invites us to reconsider our perception of work and its social and ethical implications.