Biribi

French author Georges Darien explored anarchist themes and sharp critiques of societal hypocrisy, with his works often considered ahead of his time. 

In Biribi, Darien delves into the harsh, oppressive world of the French penal system during the late 19th century. The novel follows a young man who, after being wrongfully imprisoned, is sent to the notorious Biribi military prison in North Africa. Here, he is subjected to brutal conditions and inhumane treatment, emblematic of the injustices faced by those incarcerated in such institutions. With sharp social commentary and vivid realism, Darien exposes the corrupt and dehumanizing forces within the prison system, while exploring the psychological toll on the prisoners. Biribi is a powerful critique of the era’s penal system, blending personal suffering with a broader condemnation of societal indifference toward the marginalized.