David Duckett

The Lost Children of Papillon David Duckett

Like an Indian sadhu seeking enlightenment, David Duckett abruptly quit his position as a TV sportscaster and began roaming the world in 1987. Thirty years later, David has detailed seven of his more interesting detours in The Lost Children of Papillon. Seven long-form essays, spanning the breadth of three decades with observations from varied viewpoints, cannot be categorized under one theme. As a journalist, he searches for the enigmatic offspring of Papillon author Henri Charriere in South America. An expat, Duckett breaks down modern Vietnam with a treatise concerning anti-imagination and anti-communism. As a god collector, he analyses the many forms of worship which have sprouted in India, attracting the Western masses. At times irreverent and cynical, David somehow manages to extrapolate the odd and fascinating phenomena around him with compassion. He reincarnates as a beach bum, a Manhattan chauffeur, and a German sailor. Required reading for anyone setting out for parts unknown and highly recommended for everyone else.