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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Art Thief summary
A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession
18 mins
Brief summary
The Art Thief is a thrilling novel by Michael Finkel that follows the story of a master thief and the detective determined to catch him. It delves into the world of art, crime, and obsession.
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The Art Thief
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
An unremarkable pair
If you passed Stéphane Breitwieser and his girlfriend, Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, in a small museum somewhere in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or France, you’d likely not remember it. Unmemorable best describes their physical appearance—a mid-20s couple looking quite upscale in their second-hand Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent. They look like any number of European tourists out for an afternoon of leisurely art and culture.
But if you looked closer, you’d notice Anne-Catherine is carrying an oversized bag. And Stéphane is wearing a large overcoat despite the very clement weather. You might even notice, if you were very observant, a slight bulge around the waistband under Stéphane’s overcoat. Or a large shape straining against the sides of Anne-Catherine’s tote.
For years they’ve been visiting regional museums every weekend. The kind that don’t have the funds for security cameras in each room, or extra guards during lunchtimes. They like to visit in the off-season, too, when there are fewer tourists and museums employ a skeleton staff.
They take care to drive several hours away from their modest home in the Alsace region of France, where unemployed Stéphane still lives in his mother’s attic, rent-free. Alsace being on the oft-contested border between France and Germany means that driving a few hours means crossing state and international borders, and with them, police jurisdictions.
Breitwieser’s lifestyle is supported by unemployment benefits and checks from well-off grandparents. In fact, his grandparents bought the car the couple used for these weekend thefts. He asks for the gas money from his mother.
Girlfriend Anne-Catherine is a nursing assistant in their small, suburban town and works during the week. While she works, Stéphane combs auction catalogs and frequents the state library in Strasbourg to research artworks. It is this research that yields the targets for their weekend jaunts.
Which means that those random bulges in their clothing as they calmly make their way to the museum exit might be 18th century pieces of silver, or rare ivory sculptures from the Renaissance. They could be early paintings on copper or ornate flintlock pistols. If the pair are stealing something bigger, like a medieval crossbow or wall-sized tapestry that doesn't fit into a bag, Stéphane must get creative.
While Anne-Catherine keeps watch for guards, Stéphane will scour the rooms for an exterior window to drop large pieces from. Being sure to scout the exterior ahead looking for shrubs or hedges that will cushion the fall. With these heists, he’ll hike around to recover them later.
They are surprised by how often small and regional museums are barely secured, valuing an intimate experience of the art by the public over the security of the works themselves. It is this public trust that the pair will violate again and again.
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What is The Art Thief about?
The Art Thief (2023) is the remarkable true story of a Europe-wide crime spree that lasted over a decade and netted almost two billion in stolen art. Along the way exposing how an enabling family, and international rules of criminal investigation, led to many of the most important works being destroyed.
The Art Thief Review
The Art Thief (2005) is a thrilling novel that takes readers into the world of art and crime. Here are three reasons why you should definitely read this book:
- With its intricate plot and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
- Through detailed descriptions of famous artworks and their historical context, the book offers a fascinating exploration of the art world, adding depth and richness to the story.
- The complex characters and their motivations make this book a compelling psychological study, leaving you pondering the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Who should read The Art Thief?
- True crime lovers looking for an unusual tale
- Psychology buffs curious about intimate portraits of narcissistic personalities in action
- Anyone curious about how important works of art disappear, and why they are so often never recovered
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The Art Thief FAQs
What is the main message of The Art Thief?
The main message of The Art Thief is a thrilling exploration of the art world and the deceptive power of human desire.
How long does it take to read The Art Thief?
The reading time for The Art Thief varies depending on the reader's speed but typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art Thief a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art Thief is a captivating read for art enthusiasts and mystery lovers. It unravels the secrets of stolen masterpieces and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Who is the author of The Art Thief?
The author of The Art Thief is Michael Finkel.
What to read after The Art Thief?
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