About the book
Henri Charrière took his nickname, Papillon, from the butterfly tattooed on his chest, and the book tells of his conviction in Paris in 1931 for a murder he said he did not commit. Sentenced to life at hard labour in French Guiana, he makes escape his one goal. The narrative spans 14 years, following his voyage to South America among violent convicts, his friendship with Louis Dega, an ex-banker jailed for counterfeiting, and a long series of escape attempts. Charriere presented the story as largely true, though modern researchers believe much of its material came from other inmates rather than from his own experience.
When We Are Play Lab founder Cristina Riesen was about 12, her father gave it to her, admitting it was not meant for her age but wanting her to learn what persistence and grit mean.
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This book has 1 recommendation
Cristina Riesen (Founder/We Are Play Lab)
More than career paths, I like to look at life trajectories. There are some books who will forever change who you are. When I was around 12 years old, my father brought home Henri Charriere's "Papillon". He told me that it was totally inappropriate for my age but he wanted me to read it so that I can understand what persistence and grit means and how important it is to learn to develop them. I did and I must say it was a life-changing experience on so many levels. Enlightening not only because of the extraordinary story and skilful storytelling but also because, now looking back, my father's gesture empowered me so much. You will not be surprised that persistence and grit are still my top skills, even today.
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