The Convict - Felix Milani ****

Having read my all time favourite book, Papillon, a number of years ago a friend recommended that I try The Convict.

The novels are extremely similar, both men were sent down for a crime they did not commit and refusing to give up plan a number of escapes. This book identifies for me that not all prisoners had an extremely tough time inside the penal colonies. For resourceful individuals some sort of existence could be worked out. We follow Felix through his trial and imprisonment at various locations (including the horrors of solitary confinement) meeting a number of colourful characters along the way. Many of these tales have fallen under suspicion in recent years as their validity has been questioned. For me, this book could also come under the same scrutiny. It appears slightly odd that whenever something happens Felix is the main instigator, when trouble arrives he is the person to stand up to the bullies, if a bright idea is required he is the one to think it.... just seems a little one sided.

For anyone with in interest in Devils island or escape stories this is an excellent read. The only reason I have given 4 stars instead of five is that a lot of slang language is used for various people and items, although there is a glossary it can get pretty tedious flicking the pages to see what the terms mean.

Not as good as Papillon but still easily worth a read. ( )