Underground Time

In this poignant novel, two solitary lives intersect amidst the struggles of urban existence. Mathilde, facing workplace isolation, and Thibault, a weary paramedic, navigate the emotional turbulence of city life.

Underground Time is a poignant novel by Delphine de Vigan that explores the lives of two seemingly disconnected individuals navigating the challenges of urban existence. Mathilde, a marketing employee at a large multinational company, endures the monotony of her daily commute on the Metro and the commuter train. However, her life takes a turn after she expresses a differing opinion to her difficult boss, Jacques. As a result, she finds herself increasingly isolated at work, with little to occupy her time, reflecting the subtle violence of office politics and emotional neglect.

On the other hand, Thibault is a paramedic who faces the relentless chaos of the city as he responds to emergency calls. His daily routine involves battling traffic, searching for parking, and encountering the loneliness that permeates urban life. Thibault understands that for many of his patients, he may be the only person they interact with throughout the day. Through his experiences, the novel highlights the profound isolation that can exist even in a bustling city.

As the narrative unfolds, Mathilde and Thibault's paths are destined to intersect, revealing the quiet violence of their respective lives and the broader indifference of the urban environment. De Vigan masterfully captures the emotions embedded in the mundane, transforming ordinary moments into powerful reflections on loneliness and connection. Underground Time serves as a compelling reminder of the shared human experience, even among strangers in a crowded city.