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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well worth the read, though I enjoyed the earlier stories in which Lupin was a charming rogue more so than his time as a detective.
After watching Netflix’s Lupin show and several of the Lupin the Third specials, it was fascinating to read the original stories. It’s obvious how much love these modern adaptations have for these old serial thief stories.
Lupin is a fun character to follow throughout each of the stories. Leblanc writes his thief charismatically and some of the humor still holds up today. Some of my favorite stories include the ones narrated by Lupin, since his self-obsessed and dramatic view of his life makes the stories more enjoyable to read. The side characters are mostly forgettable to make room for Lupin’s personality, although I did enjoy Leblanc’s take on Holmes. He cleverly sets up Holmes as Lupin’s opposite in terms of personality, making you anticipate future interactions between the two.
However, some of the stories can be a bit of the bore. I found that any story that didn’t have Lupin as a stronger focus tended to lack engagement. The mysteries themselves were interesting, but without the thief they felt a bit lacking. Passages of heavy exposition by uninteresting side characters felt like a slog to get through.
As a French speaker, I was wondering how much better the experience would be in the original French text. Something about the English translation felt off at times. Although there were times that the language reminded me of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, in a good way.
If you’re looking for short, fun, and simple mystery/heist stories then the original Lupin stories are for you. Just don’t go in expecting to see much of the action that modern adaptations include these days.
Favorite stories: The Escape of Arsene Lupin, The Mysterious Traveller, The Seven of Hearts, Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late
Lupin is a fun character to follow throughout each of the stories. Leblanc writes his thief charismatically and some of the humor still holds up today. Some of my favorite stories include the ones narrated by Lupin, since his self-obsessed and dramatic view of his life makes the stories more enjoyable to read. The side characters are mostly forgettable to make room for Lupin’s personality, although I did enjoy Leblanc’s take on Holmes. He cleverly sets up Holmes as Lupin’s opposite in terms of personality, making you anticipate future interactions between the two.
However, some of the stories can be a bit of the bore. I found that any story that didn’t have Lupin as a stronger focus tended to lack engagement. The mysteries themselves were interesting, but without the thief they felt a bit lacking. Passages of heavy exposition by uninteresting side characters felt like a slog to get through.
As a French speaker, I was wondering how much better the experience would be in the original French text. Something about the English translation felt off at times. Although there were times that the language reminded me of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, in a good way.
If you’re looking for short, fun, and simple mystery/heist stories then the original Lupin stories are for you. Just don’t go in expecting to see much of the action that modern adaptations include these days.
Favorite stories: The Escape of Arsene Lupin, The Mysterious Traveller, The Seven of Hearts, Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
As a student of the French language, I was recommended to watch the Netflix show Lupin in French, and I greatly enjoyed it. Therefore, when I came across this illustrated edition of Lupin, I was excited to see how the book is similar and different from the show.
I like both the show and the book equally, although they are quite different. I am tempted to read the rest of the series in French, as I feel that would be more enjoyable.
The book is a decadent copy, with gorgeous, often full-page or two-page illustrations and a ribbon bookmark.
If you like Sherlock Holmes, you’ll probably enjoy Lupin, especially with the inclusion of Herlock Sholmes (who I really wanted to be female) in the final chapter.
I like both the show and the book equally, although they are quite different. I am tempted to read the rest of the series in French, as I feel that would be more enjoyable.
The book is a decadent copy, with gorgeous, often full-page or two-page illustrations and a ribbon bookmark.
If you like Sherlock Holmes, you’ll probably enjoy Lupin, especially with the inclusion of Herlock Sholmes (who I really wanted to be female) in the final chapter.
Un livre qui se lit plutôt vite étant donné son style simple et fluide. Certaines affaires sont un peu tirées par les cheveux, mais le tout est agréable et amusant à lire. C'est surtout dû au personnage d'Arsène Lupin dont le panache et l'ironie sont tout à fait délectables.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book was a blast! The story follows a man whose overconfidence is matched only by his incredible skill, making for a hilarious read of unbelievable adventurer. I can’t wait to dive into more of his mysteries in the future!
That said, some of the grandiose feats—especially those involving disguises—had me squinting at the page. But honestly, it just added to the charm of the story.
This is easily one of my favorite books of the year. It had me smiling from start to finish!
That said, some of the grandiose feats—especially those involving disguises—had me squinting at the page. But honestly, it just added to the charm of the story.
This is easily one of my favorite books of the year. It had me smiling from start to finish!