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I was just wondering if anyone has read the GREAT book Papillon bt Henri Charriere? It's the true story of a man falsely imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and it tells of his many escapes, facing death in most of them. I suggest if you haven't read it then you do!!
It is an excellent book I agree. Charriere has a spare style of avoiding obfuscation with sentiment as he details the underground of criminal life and extenuating circumstances he finds himself in from real life false/trumped up charges.
I think the last phrases of it bring tears to my eyes everytime, as he finally finds a life surrounded by people who unconditionally accept him, no matter his background.
There was also a fairly respectable adaptation of it to film, starring Steve MacQeen and Dustin Hoffman.
I would also recommend the further adventures of Papi in Banco
I agree about the film, although many of the facts were muddled. With Dega, although played by one of my favourite actors (Dustin Hoffman), many of the circumstances that Papillon found himself didn't involve Dega, but in the film did. The film managed to leave out important roles of Dega such as keeping Charriere alive when in Solitary Confinement. It almost looked like they had to give him more roles due to his famous status.
I haven't read any of the follow up books, but I will when I get the chance to.
Aaah Papillon! What a character, his adventures are one of the most interesting I have read. What plans they had, hehe. I didn't realize there was a movie, I watched it last night and If I had not read the book I would have had no idea what was going on. I also had no idea there was a sequel of sorts, unfortunatly it is 'overduebilled' at the library, whatever that means. But I plan on trapping it at all costs. Thanks for hte enlightenment.
I have 'Banco' lying right next to me on the couch, folded on page three. :)
Read Papillon years ago. Have to echo what everyone before me has said about it. Flipping brilliant.
Does anyone know what section in the bookshop "Banco" will be in because it's not under biographies!
Banco is an excellent book - it used to be in every single charity shop in Britain at one time - don't know why! I bought it for about 3 mates.
Probably in every charity shop becuase it is a story of perserverance and hope, something those in need of charity are also seeking.
Rachy: Try fiction or literature? Perhaps a quick word or two with an employee would be better.
Is there any parts that no-one liked in this book?
I guess not...........
After I saw this threat and seeing/hearing somewhere else about this book, I bought it last week. I think I will save this one for my journey to that region (Suriname, west of French Guyana). My 3,5 month stay there is also a reason my interest in this book grew. So it's something for in the plane ;)
This threat already makes me very curious :)
I'm glad because it is really good! Just by coincidence I came home yesterday and my dad had bought me the film on DVD because I saw it ages ago and I have been looking for it ever since! I just finished watching it and I can't stop crying from the end scene! So emotional!
What a nice surprise for you Rachy! I wish someone would buy me DVDs :)
I guess they never made a movie version of Banco.
Not sure if there are any parts of Papillon I didn't like, it's been a few years since I've gotten it out to read again. Actually the copy I have is getting quite damaged.
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Originally Posted by Rachy
I always have a copy of Papillon next to my bed! I have nothing next to it, but this book is just constantly there because when I'm reading, I'll put my other book down and just pick Papillon and read it randomly! I can't help it! I just get the urge to read it.
He is on my list of people, dead or alive, I'd love to meet and have a drink with, even in the restaurant in Caracas that he had. (He died in 1973)
I watched special features on my DVD, and there was an interview with him! He was such an amazing person! I wish I could have met him as well!
Love it......Had to edit it because that comment I made was RUBBISH! lol!! xx