This article is a reading of Kossi Efoui’s novels as a story of the « deeps ». We first analyze the material irruption of the « deeps » in the stories (mines, rare metals, aquifers and the Atlantic Ocean) and the way in which, through the lust they arouse, their energy and their power can threaten the commu nities that live on the surface, which are often unaware of the materials buried underground. Then, we demonstrate that, far from leading to the impression of disaster, the thought of the « deeps » leads the writer to a conception of the Atlantic Ocean as a poetic and mythical island-refuge , and of submersion as ultimate appeasement.