a book on the history of the Commentry mines

Patrick Debowski revives the memory of the Commentry mines with 'The Truth in the Well', a novel between history and homage to forgotten heroes.

Passionate author and historian at heart, Patrick Debowski immerses us in the forgotten world of the Commentry mines with his latest novel, “The Truth in the Well”. Between fiction and reality, this book tells us the story of two worlds, the one below, in the mines and the one above: in the light of day. It evokes the grueling daily life of miners, and immerses us in the memory of these little-known figures who shaped the mining history of Commentry.

A novel to give voice to the forgotten

”I discovered heroic stories and remarkable figures, like Gilbert Trimouille, an artificer whose act of bravery might have seemed improbable if it had not been authenticated by archives. ” This miner risked his life to save his comrades during an imminent explosion, a poignant episode that illustrates the extraordinary courage of the men of the time.

The novel begins with a catastrophe that occurred in 1855, a tragic event which anchors the plot in a very specific era. Patrick skillfully mixes fiction and reality by relying on carefully documented historical facts, embellished with numerous footnotes. “I wanted the story to remain credible while captivating the reader.”he confides. The story follows the ordeal of a group of miners stuck at the bottom of a flooded gallery and the desperate efforts to save them on the surface.

The novel paints a living fresco of Commentry, this “mushroom town” which exploded demographically during the era of the industrial revolution. “This mining basin, essential to the French economy, saw the birth of a tough society, but united by courage and determination,” explains the author.

A duty of memory and transmission

” The Commentry mines have marked local history, but their heroes are often forgotten. I wanted readers to become attached to these figures and understand the harshness of their daily lives, but also their humanity. “ With The Truth in the Well, Patrick offers a vibrant tribute to the miners and their legacy, while inviting readers to delve into a fascinating era.

Practical :

“The Truth in the Well”

On sale at the “Au Plaisir de Lire” bookstore and Carrefour Market in Commentry.

Sale price 12 euros