An Escape to Remember...

There was once a man who went by the name of Henri Charrièr. He was popularly known as Papillon. A member of the Paris underworld, he led a life of danger and constant intrigue. Numerous comparatively petty crimes did he commit and get away with. However, one fine day, he was dealt a hard blow by way of being framed for a murder that he had had no part to play in. As is the way with unfortunate circumstances, once they begin, there never seems to be any end to them. His being framed for the murder soon led to his trial, followed by his being convicted and sentenced for life! Nevertheless, Papillon was a man of no ordinary mettle. After a brief stint of imprisonment at the place of his trial, he was soon transferred to a penal colony. One can even say that that colony was where Papillon’s real story began to take shape, the place where he came into his own in a manner par extraordinaire or excellence! From there, began a journey like no other, a journey so incredible that it’s difficult to fathom that the story recounted is fact, and not mere fiction.

Papillon, written by the man himself, traces this extraordinary journey with amazing alacrity and ease. As one flips through the pages of the book, what immediately strikes is the clarity with which the author seems to remember almost all the events and incidents that were a part of those incredible years of his! Seemingly trivial and paltry moments, seem later to be of enormous magnitude and significance! In fact, while setting down to write the story of these years of his life, Henri Charrière is believed to have filled in page after page, and exercise book after exercise book, in an attempt to bring to life those years in the minds of the readers! I must say that he has successfully accomplished that and how!!! It’s difficult, nay, almost impossible, not to get drawn into the shoes of Papillon and his friends, as they so diligently and painstakingly plan their escape and freedom from captivity! Although, some of the earlier pages of the book may give you the idea that it’s going to be a boring autobiography, what follows in the next pages will leave you gasping for breath, as also eagerly turning the pages! Some of the incidents that have been described in the book are often gruesome in their very truthfulness, but you will feel compelled to stay with the story, right till its very end.

I, myself, am only less than halfway through the book, having just started reading it, but I didn't want to wait till I completed reading it, and only then write about the experience! I felt the need to write down my initial impressions about it, so moved am I by many of the incidents recounted and re-lived in the book. The author’s description of the colony of lepers and the kindness and generosity that they extended to 3 escaped convicts, is among the most touching pieces I’ve ever set my eyes on!

As is wont, based on the book, a movie has also been made. Unfortunately, it did not completely stay true to the original script of the book.

I’m surprised that although I’ve had this book with me for a good many number of years, I'd always kept it for another day, having ever had something else to read! Finally getting down to reading it has been a pleasant surprise; not the boring documentation of a life history that I could have imagined it to be!