Review of The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
The Art Thief is a fascinating true story that reads like fiction, yet every detail is grounded in reality. Michael Finkel follows the extraordinary criminal career of Stéphane Breitwieser, a Frenchman who stole over 200 artworks from museums across Europe, often in broad daylight. What makes this account particularly compelling is the contradiction at its heart: despite amassing a collection worth millions, Breitwieser lived modestly, almost in poverty, driven not by profit but by obsession.
At his side was Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, his girlfriend and frequent accomplice, who helped him carry out thefts with astonishing boldness. Their partnership was both romantic and criminal, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that obsession clouded judgement on all sides.
After being caught and serving time, Breitwieser was offered a remarkable opportunity to work with museums to improve security. Inexplicably, he squandered this chance by returning to theft. Finkel explores the psychological complexity of a man whose love for art was as real as it was destructive.
Initially wasn't too sure about the book, but once I got into it, enjoyed it.
4/5
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