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!

There are few books that captured my imagination the way "Papillon" did, so naturally I was very much anticipating reading "Banco". Although I was not disappointed, it must be said that it is not quite as thrilling as the first in the series. The simple problem is that the events described in the book simply cannot compare in intensity to his prison years. Nonetheless, his tales are interesting to read, and you do get an idea of how wild his life must have been. It is best to read "Papillon" first and, if you like it, and want to know what happens next (as you surely will) then "Banco" is simply a must-read.

Unlike some of the other reviewers who did not care much for "BANCO", I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Now, I confess not to have yet read "PAPILLON". So, my critique of "BANCO" is not reflective of what "PAPILLON" was about.

"BANCO" takes up from where "PAPILLON" left off. The author has escaped into Venezuela. He is deeply embittered and finds it difficult at first to readjust to life on the outside. He is set on revenge for he feels that he was framed for a crime he did not commit. As a way of working out his anger, the author becomes involved in an elaborate plan to stage a big robbery so that he can not only enrich himself, but also return to Europe and exact his revenge. While set on his plans for revenge, however, the author finds love and peace of mind.

"BANCO" stands as a fine example of what a person is capable of achieving in terms of self-improvement and spiritual renewal. When I finished reading this book, I felt very happy for the author, who had learned to cast aside the anger and rage he had bottled up inside himself during his imprisonment on Devil's Island, and find an inner peace for himself.

A fantastic continuation of Charriere's life. For those of you that can read French, the original/French version has more material in it. The same goes for the first book-see my review.The English version finishes with his visit back to Paris, but there was much more that happened after his trip to France that an English reader doesn't get to find out. Why did this happen?

Que libre? j'ne connaisez pah beau coup de Francais. J'ne ce pah.