Ok, so I bought this book because I love Pappilon. I was hoping for another gripping read detailing the conditions endured. Unfortunately I just didn't get anything out of this book at all.

The novel follows the life of a young man call michel who is sent to the islands for 7 years. Along the way various friends die and escape is never far from his mind. However far too often the narrative just drifts away into almost a dreamlike state, and thats where I tend to drift off to sleep.

I'm sure that when this was written (1930's) it was a lot more daring that it seems now, and I think I've read that it even led to prison reforms. Now though, it just seemed very dated.Edit | More ( )