Henri Charrière, the French author, is better known by the nickname "Papillon." This nickname, which means "butterfly" in French, was given to Charrière due to a tattoo of a butterfly on his chest. "Papillon" is also the title of Charrière's most famous book, which is a memoir of his time spent in the penal colony of French Guiana.

Henri Charrière's life story is one of adventure, escape, and resilience. Born in 1906 in France, Charrière was unjustly convicted of murder in 1931 and sentenced to life imprisonment in French Guiana. Determined to regain his freedom, Charrière made several daring escape attempts from the notorious Devil's Island prison. After many years of hardship and perseverance, he finally succeeded in escaping and making his way to Venezuela.

Charrière's memoir, "Papillon," was published in 1969 and became an instant bestseller. The book details Charrière's experiences in the penal colony, his friendships with other prisoners, and his numerous escape attempts. "Papillon" has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Henri Charrière's nickname, "Papillon," has become synonymous with his incredible story of survival and endurance. The butterfly tattoo on his chest serves as a reminder of his indomitable spirit and his refusal to be confined by the limitations imposed on him by society.

Today, Henri Charrière's legacy lives on through his writing and the enduring popularity of "Papillon." The book has been adapted into a film starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, as well as a recent remake starring Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek.

So, the next time you hear the name Henri Charrière, remember that he is better known by the nickname "Papillon." His story serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul.

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