Henri Charrière was a French writer and former convict, best known for his autobiographical novel, Papillon. Born on March 18, 1936, in Ales, France, he was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he claimed he did not commit. Charrière escaped from the notorious Devil's Island prison in French Guiana, embarking on a remarkable journey that would later inspire his writing. His book, published in 1969, details his harrowing experiences in prison and his daring escape attempts. Papillon became a bestseller and was adapted into films, further cementing Charrière's legacy as a symbol of resilience and the quest for freedom.