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5.33k reviews for:
Der Meisterdieb: Eine wahre Geschichte von Kunst, Obsession und Zerstörung
Michael Finkel
3.97 AVERAGE
5.33k reviews for:
Der Meisterdieb: Eine wahre Geschichte von Kunst, Obsession und Zerstörung
Michael Finkel
3.97 AVERAGE
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
A gripping nonfiction narrative about Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the most prolific art thieves in modern history. It’s a real-life psychological thriller that reads like a novel. Breitwieser, a seemingly ordinary Frenchman in his 20s, stole more than 300 artworks from museums and galleries across Europe—not for money, but out of an obsessive, almost romantic devotion to art. In 2001, Breitwieser is finally caught in Switzerland. After release, he resumes stealing, suggesting his compulsion is deeper than thrill or greed. He was finally caught for good. Will he continue? I gave this book three stars.
fast-paced
Certainly kept my attention and is a wild true story. The authors’ bias felt apparent, and I would have liked to see some other angles explored, but this is entertaining for sure.
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Thrilling account of the most prolific art thief in the world’s history (that we know of). Written extremely accessibly and in a present-tense character-driven style, using exhaustive interviews, taped footage, and an inordinate amount of supporting literature to put together a thorough timeline of Brietweiser’s life, including his experience of it and the experiences of his family members. A tad jerky at times, but that is my only complaint for a book I will def be recommending to others. Definitely read in one sitting