I don't care if it's true or not, it's still a great story. This book is a real page turner. Though rumors persist that Charriere made PAPILLON up, there are enough nuggets of truth to make you think otherwise. I had a little trouble with Papi's consistent nobility throughout. Charriere leads you to believe he was a gentleman throughout. Kind of hard to believe. Also, he's a little sketchy on his conviction for murder. That leads me to believe he probably commited the crime for which he was convicted. I would agree that the French system of justice was pretty harsh back in the 1930's, but I'm sure Charriere exaggerated "a little" here and there.

But don't get me wrong. This was an amazing read. There is much more to the story than the movie. Truly great book.

Hi, I owned the copy of this book for several years and I had read it 3 times. He will forever be an example and a teacher to me. To meet this great man would be a wonderful gift. Though he is no angel and life has brought out the ugliest of all of him, he remains a powerful influence. If he can be so strong in such situations (i.e. watching his best friend devoured by unforgiving sharks,withstanding solitary for two years in the most creative ways, the list goes on...for 13 years!) then I can survive anything this existence throws my way. I've met my Jesus through this book. I hope to read it again one day so as to have a greater appreciation of it, perhaps after i've been through some of my own horrors. I'll definitely see the movie. I've already passed the book on to a lucky person, despite that I'd love to keep it. Looking for adventure, romance, lust, utter suspense, even amusement (he's got a great sense of humour through it all)? HEAR IT!!!!!!!!

Out of print? Well check your local library for a copy because you must read this book. I went to the library to check out Tom Wolfe's THE RIGHT STUFF but they did not have that book. So, I looked around for something else to read and that is when I saw PAPILLON. I was only vaguely familar with the man and his story but it looked interesting. I checked the book out and proceeded to read the greatest adventure story ever written. I could not put this book down until I was finished. I will never forget Papillon's amazing struggle for freedom and his life. Henri Charriere's writing made me feel like I was right there with him during his incredible adventures. Some people question the veracity of Charriere's story because they can not believe one man has been through so much and came out alive. I feel it is not important whether the whole story is really true or not, it is only important that you believe it is. Read this book and enjoy!

The ease and the smoothness of Somerset Maugham's style make reading this book enjoyable. However the story itself is just OK, nothing extraordinary. However keeping in mind that it's a preWWII novel, there are some intelligent political remarks and astute psychological analysis of the charachters

Although this may not be the masterpiece of 20th literature, I have to admit that it was a very absorbing read. As we follow Charly, the well-bred perfect English gentlemen, through his week long vacation in Paris, we become ensnared in the life story of the prostitute he befriends and her web of friends and acquaintances. The story itself is interesting in its own right, but what really makes the narrative flow is how Maugham lets us peer into the psyches of various characters, all from different social strata. My personal favorite was Berger, Lydia's husband who despite his rogue behavior was one of the more memorable (and even likable) characters. Simon, Charly's friend was drawn perhaps a bit too extremely, but Maugham does use that to some effect. In any case, a fun read and a good story.

Maughm has the unusual talent of baring truths about human nature in a most simplified fashion. His insights into the complexities of human relationships reveal his incredible talent with words. Maughm has been my absolute favorite writer for years...His unpretentious writing style reveals intelligence in the most positive way, extending out to anyone who loves to hear a wonderful story.
"Christmas Holiday" begins and ends in one exhilirating whirlwind, without ever a moment of slight boredom. Maughm writes with a fluidity that cannot be matched by any other writer. He is simply the best at his art - storytelling.

This map is a very good travel planning tool.

Only a French author could have written this novel. Full of soul and intricate feelings, but not really going anywheres.It is a mental exercise more than a story. The French are very good at this. One of the best is still Francoise Sagan. This book doesn't even come close.

This book is a disappointment. It is not a serious work of scholorship. It has no notes, no index and is written in a rather breathless style that involves lots of exclamation marks and purported quotations of conversations that took place 75 years ago. The work also lacks structure and needed a good editor.

Save your money.

Devil's Island was originally published circa 1934. It told of Dr Dreyfus'ordeal. The book you are listing is 1988. Is that an update of the original Devil's Island?

If you are seeking fascinating history and a well researched book, try this one. However, as the previous reader mentions, the book is not well written and it would have been nice to see his sources.