Henri Charrière, called "Papillon," for the butterfly tattoo on his chest, was convicted in Paris in 1931 of a murder he did not commit. Sentenced to life imprisonment in the penal colony of French Guiana, he became obsessed with one goal: escape. After planning and executing a series of treacherous yet failed attempts over many years, he was eventually sent to the notorious prison, Devil's Island, a place from which no one had ever escaped . . . until Papillon. His flight to freedom remains one of the most incredible feats of human cunning, will, and endurance ever undertaken.
Charrière's astonishing autobiography, Papillon, was published in France to instant acclaim in 1968, more than twenty years after his final escape. Since then, it has become a treasured classic -- the gripping, shocking, ultimately uplifting odyssey of an innocent man who would not be defeated.
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"What an amazing story of perseverance. I am interested in watching the old movie based on the book with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. I was continually surprised at the kindness strangers showed Papillon despite his status as a dangerous, convicted killer." — Stacey (4 out of 5 stars)
"What an amazing story of perseverance. I am interested in watching the old movie based on the book with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. I was continually surprised at the kindness strangers showed Papillon despite his status as a dangerous, convicted killer."
" Perfect summer read. A classic, even if only 1/10th is true! "
" Patience Reading makes this novel a great Book! "
" Sterk og god bok! 8/10 "
" MIND BLOWING....... "
" I was drawn to this story from my memory of the movie. It is an amazing story, to be sure. It is a painfully boring book, however. The minutia of detail is tedious and, at times, almost painful. "
" I loved the jail-freedom cycle...the compassion for those worse-off than you, and the determination for righteousness. "
" Word has it some of this memoir is make-believe, which I find disappointing. Still a good story. "
" Want to go on an epic adventure? READ THIS BOOK. "
" This was one of the first grown up books I read. In seventh grade I loved it. I suspect I might not be as impressed now, but it really is a good adventure story. "
" Picked this up back in 1999 since I had a dog that was a Papillion. Turned out to be one of the better books that I have read. "
" One of my favorite books. There is a movie based on this story, with Dustin Hoffmann, it is also one of the best "
" Still a classic! "
" Not for the squeamish. Painful, realistic and consistent with other histories I have read about the French prison system. A good read if you want a strong dose to human cruelty. Very well written, very much not for the Jane Austen fans. "
" The best book I have ever read. I honestly don't think I will read a better one. A truly amazing man. "
" What a book! Read it for understanding how a person can be show patience, endurance and single minded focus par excellance in the most adverse circumstances. "
" Just a brilliant book love just waiting to see what Papillon would do next. "
" Finished in 2 days ... Favorite of ALL time "
" its awaysome "
" This book was AWESOME!!!! I loved the way he told and described his adventures. A definite must read. "
" a great book but be aware that it's authenticity is highly contentious. "
" Wow - this guy was amazing!! Reminds one to not end up in the French prison system. Different read - I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. A freind grabbed it at an estate sale and enjoyed it immensely. "
Michael Prichard is a Los Angeles-based actor who has played several thousand characters during his career, over one hundred of them in theater and film. He is primarily heard as an audiobook narrator, having recorded well over five hundred full-length books. His numerous awards and accolades include an Audie Award for Tears in the Darkness by Michael Norman and Elizabeth M. Norman and six AudioFile Earphones Awards. He was named a Top Ten Golden Voice by SmartMoney magazine. He holds an MFA in theater from the University of Southern California.
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