The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael FinkelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great nonfiction by Michael Finkel.
This is the third book I've read by Michael Finkel and each one was fascinating in its own way. My first experience with his writing was with The Stranger in the Woods because to me, hermits are fascinating. I've always thought I'd like being one, but I've settled for being a normal introvert who spends most of my time happily alone in my house.
The second book I read was True Story. Well, that was interesting, to say the least. I got to find out why Michael lost his job writing for the NY Times and I learned a lot about a man who killed his entire family. (Not Michael.)
This third book hits me where it hurts.... right there in my memories about the unforgettable theft of Rembrandt's painting of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. I have a reproduction of that hanging on my living room wall. But no, this book was entirely different. It was about a young man who developed the very bad habit of stealing from every museum or gallery he went into. His name was Stéphane Breitwieser and he managed to steal hundreds of items over a period of eight years.
This is an amazing psychological profile of a man who believed he deserved to be surrounded by art and historic objects in his home. He had quite a collection going and the attic was full as well.
If you want to read a page-turning account of a crazed (and very selfish) thief taking public treasures, this book is sure to fit the bill. I recommend it.
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