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Papillon
Series: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Papillon
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An immediate sensation upon its publication in 1969, Papillon is a vivid memoir of brutal penal colonies, daring prison breaks and heroic adventure on shark-infested seas.
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Description
Papillon, written by Henri Charrière, is a thrilling memoir of resilience, adventure, and the unyielding human spirit. Set during the 1930s, the story revolves around Henri Charrière, a Frenchman wrongfully convicted of murder. Nicknamed "Papillon," which means "butterfly" in French, due to the butterfly tattoo on his chest, Charrière is sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious penal colony of French Guiana.
Upon his arrival, Charrière quickly realises that escape is his only option for survival. Merely forty-two days into his sentence, he makes his first daring break for freedom, embarking on a perilous journey that spans a thousand gruelling miles in an open boat. This audacious escape marks the beginning of a series of extraordinary attempts to break free from the clutches of his oppressors.
His relentless quest for liberty leads him through a series of breathtaking adventures and harrowing ordeals. Each recapture only fuels his determination further. From the brutal confines of solitary confinement to the hellish conditions of Devil's Island, no one had ever escaped from these infamous prisons—until Papillon. He defies all odds, venturing out into shark-infested waters with nothing but a makeshift coconut-sack raft to aid his survival.
Over a span of thirteen years, Charrière makes nine incredible escape attempts. Along the way, he encounters colourful characters and builds unlikely friendships. One of his most memorable escapades includes a remarkable stay with a tribe of South American Indians, where he finds solace in their free-spirited way of life, starkly contrasting the European societal norms he had known.
Papillon is not just a memoir of prison breaks; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the pursuit of freedom against all odds. Filled with tension, suspense, and exhilarating moments, it reveals the extremes of human endurance and the unwavering hope for redemption.
The book captivated readers globally and became a bestselling phenomenon in the 1960s. Charrière’s vivid storytelling and the sheer audacity of his escapes have left an indelible mark on literature. Henri Charrière passed away in 1973 at the age of 66, but his legacy lives on through his extraordinary tale of survival and resilience.
Series: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
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Papillon
Papillon, written by Henri Charrière, is a thrilling memoir of resilience, adventure, and the unyielding human spirit. Set during the 1930s, the story revolves around Henri Charrière, a Frenchman wrongfully convicted of murder. Nicknamed "Papillon," which means "butterfly" in French, due to the butterfly tattoo on his chest, Charrière is sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious penal colony of...Paperback$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Papillon by Henri Charrière is often praised for its thrilling and gripping storytelling, recounting the author's dramatic escape from a French penal colony. Reviewers highlight its adventurous spirit and detailed narrative, but some critique it for potential embellishments. The book’s authenticity and captivating recount of perseverance and freedom resonate deeply with many readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780007179961
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 May 2005
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: HarperPerennial
Contributors:
- Translated by Patrick O’Brian
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 36.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 400g
Pages: 688
About the Author
Henri Charriere
Also by Henri Charrière
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![Papillon [Movie Tie-In]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%201218'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Papillon [Movie Tie-In]
"A modern classic of courage and excitement." — The New Yorker NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING CHARLIE HUNNAM AND RAMI MALEK Henri Charrière, nicknamed "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...Paperback$4900Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
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