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5.32k reviews for:
Der Meisterdieb: Eine wahre Geschichte von Kunst, Obsession und Zerstörung
Michael Finkel
3.97 AVERAGE
5.32k reviews for:
Der Meisterdieb: Eine wahre Geschichte von Kunst, Obsession und Zerstörung
Michael Finkel
3.97 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Super quick non fiction read about a prolific art thief who at one point had a stolen art collection worth millions. He lives in squalor with the art and thinks he is just in keeping because " no would appreciate it better then him" eye roll
Narcissist is enabled by those around him to brake the law continuously to his own detriment and those closest to him. He wants no consequences and demands 100% support. He is exhausting, the book is the perfect length any longer I would have DNF because there is not enough there for anymore
Narcissist is enabled by those around him to brake the law continuously to his own detriment and those closest to him. He wants no consequences and demands 100% support. He is exhausting, the book is the perfect length any longer I would have DNF because there is not enough there for anymore
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
what the book is about
This book is about a man who stole over two hundred artworks with remarkable consistency. He was said to be motivated by a fanatical love for art, but it is difficult to determine whether this was true or merely a cover-up for his wrongdoing. Undoubtedly, he was a natural-born criminal mastermind, managing to evade capture for five years and transforming his room into an aesthetic palace.
what I particularly liked
characters
The protagonist's girlfriend, who assisted him in committing the crime, is a controversial character whom I find rather intriguing. It is important to note that she was not completely coerced into participating in the theft. She herself felt a strong attraction to artworks and had a desire to possess them. Unlike the protagonist, who became dangerously addicted, she displayed practicality and intelligence, attempting to distance herself from the protagonist and his unhealthy obsession with art. She made the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy because she did not want to raise a child with a thief. Furthermore, she went as far as denying her relationship with the protagonist in court, telling an outright lie.It is revealed that she made the choice to relinquish her youthful aspirations and return to her normal life, a decision that may be perceived as hypocritical by some, but which I find to be quite courageous.
cover/design
I was particularly captivated by the book cover, depicting a bat and a man in the style reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, which happens to be the protagonist's preferred artistic style. This arrangement serves as a metaphor symbolizing the protagonist's deep affection for art and, simultaneously, the dark cloud of his unhealthy obsession casting its shadow.
writing style
It's hard to believe that this is a non-fiction book! It reads like a thrilling crime novel, with a plot that seems almost too unrealistic to be true. The ending is particularly twisted, as I found myself hoping that the protagonist would turn his life around and enjoy a peaceful existence with his mother, who helped conceal his crimes, and his father, who forgave him. Unfortunately, he betrayed their love and proved unable to control his criminal impulses. It's a painful reminder that sometimes, we can't change who we are.
what I disliked
theme
It might seem weird that I have noticed a inclination towards pleading for the protagonist's transgressions in the book. At times, it implies that his love for art has been tragically distorted due to inadequate nurturing and parental guidance, among other factors. However, this perspective lacks conviction. In my opinion, their involvement is entirely irrelevant and should not be considered!
quote
"Art is spiritual food," the framer says, but a fanatical desire to possess it is gluttonous. "His passion for art is beyond all reason, a tormented love, like Tristan and Isolde, that won't be fulfilled or diminish."
Rating
This book is about a man who stole over two hundred artworks with remarkable consistency. He was said to be motivated by a fanatical love for art, but it is difficult to determine whether this was true or merely a cover-up for his wrongdoing. Undoubtedly, he was a natural-born criminal mastermind, managing to evade capture for five years and transforming his room into an aesthetic palace.
what I particularly liked
characters
The protagonist's girlfriend, who assisted him in committing the crime, is a controversial character whom I find rather intriguing. It is important to note that she was not completely coerced into participating in the theft. She herself felt a strong attraction to artworks and had a desire to possess them. Unlike the protagonist, who became dangerously addicted, she displayed practicality and intelligence, attempting to distance herself from the protagonist and his unhealthy obsession with art. She made the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy because she did not want to raise a child with a thief. Furthermore, she went as far as denying her relationship with the protagonist in court, telling an outright lie.It is revealed that she made the choice to relinquish her youthful aspirations and return to her normal life, a decision that may be perceived as hypocritical by some, but which I find to be quite courageous.
cover/design
I was particularly captivated by the book cover, depicting a bat and a man in the style reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, which happens to be the protagonist's preferred artistic style. This arrangement serves as a metaphor symbolizing the protagonist's deep affection for art and, simultaneously, the dark cloud of his unhealthy obsession casting its shadow.
writing style
It's hard to believe that this is a non-fiction book! It reads like a thrilling crime novel, with a plot that seems almost too unrealistic to be true. The ending is particularly twisted, as I found myself hoping that the protagonist would turn his life around and enjoy a peaceful existence with his mother, who helped conceal his crimes, and his father, who forgave him. Unfortunately, he betrayed their love and proved unable to control his criminal impulses. It's a painful reminder that sometimes, we can't change who we are.
what I disliked
theme
It might seem weird that I have noticed a inclination towards pleading for the protagonist's transgressions in the book. At times, it implies that his love for art has been tragically distorted due to inadequate nurturing and parental guidance, among other factors. However, this perspective lacks conviction. In my opinion, their involvement is entirely irrelevant and should not be considered!
quote
"Art is spiritual food," the framer says, but a fanatical desire to possess it is gluttonous. "His passion for art is beyond all reason, a tormented love, like Tristan and Isolde, that won't be fulfilled or diminish."
Rating
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
informative
fast-paced