Un condamné à mort s'est échappé

by Andre Devigny

A Man Escaped is one of the most extraordinary escape stories to come out of World War II, a record of ingenuity and endurance that rivals the best of the genre.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Steven Voorhees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legendary French auteur Robert Bresson directed this book's film adaptation. Thinking I could never find it, I nearly went directly to the film. But lo and behold, my library managed to acquire it. I read it, and I'm so glad I did. Andre Devigny, a French soldier, is betrayed. He's then captured and incarcerated by the Nazis at Lyon's Montluc. He tries to get used to being jailed, and along the way he gets to know his fellow prisoners. He also attempts, very elaborately, to escape. The book is psycho-history at its best. It's also a scintillating record of human endurance. Devigny grows to "learn an inexhaustible patience." One's required if one's to evade and escape the Gestapo. This terrific tome has got my psyched for the film.

[Lia Duhay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. I think this could be one of my favorite books. I was having high hopes for this book because I've watched the French film based on this book, and it did not disappoint. "A Man Escaped" gave more in-depth details on the character, as well of "behind-the-scenes" of what's going on outside of the prison with the main character's family. This book was very sad, and made me empathize with minor characters as well. I didn't like the ending; not because of any writing style -- I was just sad that he abandoned the young boy whom he said he would stay with until the end with. I understand why he had to abandon him, because at the end of the day, its every man for himself and he was just trying to survive. I like that they fast forward to him fighting in the war again, and feeling victorious in killing Nazis after being in prison. I recommend this book to anyone -- those interested in World War II history, and those who need to hear this man's story and the story of many others who had to endure the terrible experience of living during that time.

[Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story behind Robert Bresson's outstanding minimalist film ("A Man Escaped") from 1956. Of the two I would say the film is the more necessary.

[Babete · Rating 3 out of 5]

( Fugiu Um Condenado à Morte )

[Bertrand Jost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure. A man escapes from a Nazi prison. his escape is unbelievable. True story though.