A Slight Detour: Amiens and the Homeric Struggle of the Rue des Trois-Cailloux

Amiens

One place Ardel takes her reader in Chapter 9 is to the city of Amiens. Here, we meet André's mother and learn that phosphates might be in M. Douvry's future through the connections André has made. Considering this novel was published in 1914, right around the breakout of World War I, Amiens is worth mentioning because of the role it played during that war.

Situated in northern France in the Hauts-de-France region, Amiens is well-known for its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame Amiens, which is the largest in France. Although the city was fought over in both World Wars, it was the 1918 Battle of Amiens that stands out with Ardel's story. In just a few short years, where André stands on the steps of the cathedral with his mother, will the Hundred Days Offensive and the push towards the Armistice with Germany begin. Of course, following both World Wars, the city of Amiens faced massive reconstruction and recovery.

Personally, I find imagining what was before and what was after with what Ardel has written to be quite fascinating. She wrote Suzy's story not knowing that war would soon grip the nation of France.


Rue des Trois-Cailloux

Today the Rue des Tros-Cailloux is considered a main shopping street in Amiens. The city itself dates back to Gallo-Roman times, a fact that is seen in the remains of the 2,000 year old amphitheater you pass over as you walk along the street. There are even glass viewing panels where you can view the ruins buried beneath your feet. 

There is no true consensus as to why the street is named Rue des Trois-Cailloux. There was once a historic building located there called "Maison des Trois Cailloux" or it could be named after three brothers by the names of Claude, Martin, and Pierre Cailleu (whose name was gradually changed to Cailloux) who lived in Amiens. No matter where the name originated, like Amiens, this street has a rich and deep history. 

As to Suzy's Dream and the reference to the "homeric struggle" that takes place on the Rue des Trois-Cailloux, I couldn't find anything concerning an incident. I believe this moment in the story is just something pulled from Ardel's mind to add a little intrigue to the overall storyline.

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