THOMAS, Frédéric; SHOCK, Clairette. Cette soif inassouvie d’une vie à changer. Cuesmes (Mons): Editions du Cerisier, 26 May 2023. 144 p.; 15 x 21.5 cm.; ill. Cover with text in white.

This informative book sheds light on one of the most critical (yet often forgotten) episodes in European labor History: the massive, wildcat “grève du siècle” (Strike of the Century), which took place in Belgium during the winter of 1960-1961. In a compelling essay, Frédéric Thomas explains how the upheaveals brought together radical libertarian socialist group Socialisme ou Barbarie, anti-union Pouvoir Ouvrier Belge (P.O.B.), and the Situationist International. In doing so, it set the stage for a more “radically political” Situationist group, as well as for the incendiary revolts of the late 1960s in France and elsewhere.

But Cette soif inassouvie d’une vie à changer (“An unquenched thirst to change life”) is also about the story of a place, l’Estro armonico. Though short-lived, this café brought together all the who’s who of left-wing political dissidents and artists in the early 1960s in Belgium. Launched by Clairette Shock and her husband Robert Dehoux upon their return from the Belgian Congo, it was there that members of the Situationist International (Attila Kotanyi, and later Guy Debord and Raoul Vaneigem), Surrealists (Louis Scutenaire), graphic designers (Jacques Richez), actors (Francis Blanche) and more would rub shoulders. There was also a space where artists could freely display their works.

The last section of the book reproduces key documents from the Pouvoir Ouvrier Belge era: the one and only issue of the group’s periodical Alternative (July 1961), the leaflet A bas l’armée ! Vive le pouvoir des conseils (October 1962) and the brochure Teilhard est con by Robert Dehoux from 1962. It also includes a postface by Raoul Vaneigem, who remembers the Strike of the Century and his friendship of over 50 years with Clairette.

A worthwhile contribution to a lesser known aspect of Situationist (and related) History. For more information see the publisher’s website here

Note: Our review copy was graciously provided by the Publisher.