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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
I am currently deep down the rabbit hole that is art heists and was so excited to read this book. Honestly, this book was really dull. The pacing felt slow and so many of the interesting details were glazed over.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Loved this book! Super fascinating exploration of different Rembrandt-focused art crime, particularly in the 20th century. Each chapter tells of a different heist, which means you get a lot of stories. However, it can make it hard to keep the players straight. Really enjoyed this.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
While I have a passing interest in art history, this book more than fulfilled it, providing well researched background information on the pieces covered in this book. I would say that aspect is a little too well done. Sometimes the background information would drag on bog down the stories of the heists. As a consequence, it did take me a lot longer than I had wished to finish this book.
I do like that there are pictures of the paintings as well as other relevant objects included in the book, because by the descriptions, I was very tempted to look up these masterful paintings that have 'captured the masses.' Although I do believe the book will be a more worthwhile investment if there were more pictures included (in color).
Either way, the book is passingly interesting. I wouldn't say I regret reading it, but my time would have probably be better spent reading something written less dry and with a little more 'oomph.'
I do like that there are pictures of the paintings as well as other relevant objects included in the book, because by the descriptions, I was very tempted to look up these masterful paintings that have 'captured the masses.' Although I do believe the book will be a more worthwhile investment if there were more pictures included (in color).
Either way, the book is passingly interesting. I wouldn't say I regret reading it, but my time would have probably be better spent reading something written less dry and with a little more 'oomph.'
Very interesting read, but well.. real art theft is very different from what you see in the movies, so if you’re expecting really crazy and out there stories, this is not it. I do recommend the book if you’re interested to learn more about art and find out very unique stories about art theft, associated investigation and insights into the actual thives.
I’ve never seen the word “purloined” used so many times.
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads Program, and I'm pretty glad that I did. The best thing about this book is that it combines perfectly the elements of a historical biography of Rembrandt as well as brilliant insight on the actual thefts themselves. Mr. Amore has written a charming historical piece that I'd recommend to anyone who has an interest in art, crime, or just an amusing read. If nothing else, there's nothing quite like reading about some really stupid criminals.
this book managed to make a topic i find extraordinarily interesting extraordinarily dull. got 3/4 through and couldn't bear to finish
As someone thoroughly fascinated by the world of art theft and forgery, I was happily surprised at all I learned from the accounts by former criminals, art specialists, agents, cops, etc. I learned a lot about the "whys" behind art theft, and it certainly piqued my interest further to hear first hand accounts/testimonies/tales of international heists. While it remains a topic of deep fascination, it also profoundly saddens me that none of the Isabella Stewart Gardner pieces have been returned; what a loss to our culture.