On the Line: Notes from a Factory

Discover the poignant beauty of manual labor in 'On the Line: Notes from a Factory' by Joseph Ponthus, a celebrated French bestseller now available in English. This deeply reflective trade paperback (UK) captures the essence of life in the fish processing plants and abattoirs of Brittany, as the author shares his experiences working on the production line. Ponthus's compelling prose intricately details the noise and weariness of factory work while juxtaposing it against dreams and memories. As he shells prawns and pushes cattle carcasses, he reminisces about literary figures like Alexandre Dumas and Apollinaire, crafting a touching narrative that combines labor with artistry. This remarkable book offers insights into the human spirit's resilience that shines amidst the exhausting rituals and physical toil of factory life. Unearth the beauty and struggle of blue-collar existence through Ponthus's elegant and humorous writing. Perfect for readers who appreciate literature that delves into social themes and personal stories, 'On the Line' is more than a memoir; it’s an ode to the working class. Ideal for book enthusiasts and those seeking an enriching reading experience, this 272-page trade paperback will inspire and captivate you, reflecting the delicate balance of labor and life. Free shipping is available, ensuring you receive this literary treasure without extra costs. Get your copy today and immerse yourself in a world that is both mundane and extraordinary!
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781760642334
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Black Inc
Pages: 272


Description:
Factory you shall never have my soul
I am here
And I count for so much more than you
And I count so much more because of you
Thanks to you

Unable to find work in his field, Joseph Ponthus enlists with a temp agency and starts to pick up casual shifts in the fish processing plants and abattoirs of Brittany. Day after day he records, with infinite precision, the nature of work on the production line- the noise, the weariness, the dreams stolen by the repetitive nature of exhausting rituals and physical suffering. But he finds solace in a life previously lived. Shelling prawns, he dreams of Alexandre Dumas. Pushing cattle carcasses, he recalls Apollinaire. And, in the grace of the blank spaces created by his insistent return to a new line of text - mirroring his continued return to the production line - we discover the woman he loves, the happiness of a Sunday, Pok Pok the dog, the smell of the sea.

In this celebrated French bestseller, translated by Stephanie Smee, Ponthus captures the mundane, the beautiful and the strange, writing with an elegance and humour that sit in poignant contrast with the blood and sweat of the factory floor. On the Line is a poet's ode to manual labour, and to the human spirit that makes it bearable.

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