Here is a true crime book about art theft that had me turning the pages. This was a buddy read with Susan at The Cue Card.
I have bookmarked so many passages on my Kindle while reading this book. It's incredible that Breitweiser was able to steal so many masterpieces in such a short period. After finishing the book I realize he must have some mental issue that made him continue down a path of destruction, not only for the loss of his own freedom but at the expense of his mother and his beloved girlfriend, Anne-Catherine. He is completely different from other art thieves as he never sought to sell the items. He needed to surround himself with the beauty.
At first I felt sorry for Anne-Catherine when she gave him the ultimatum of choosing art or her....he paused and had to think about that. But did she walk away then knowing she would always hold second place to his art obsession? She did not. Then the lies she told in court dissolved any sympathy I had for her. As for his mother...wow, zero sympathy for her. She did some despicable revenge.
It was stated that when museums had more financial resources where they could beef up security they chose to buy more art instead. I think I understand that because if you already have security it's more inportant to acquire more art for ALL people to enjoy. More art draws larger crowds. That certainly changed after Breitweiser's crimes were revealed.
Reading this true crime narrative educated me on security systems as as well as art detectives. I didn't know so many detectives were employed solely to investigate art thefts. Italy has the largest number of detectives boasting 300, Switzerland has a handful, France has 30 and the United States employs roughly 20 detectives and produces their own Ten Most Wanted list for missing art. These figures are from the date of publication here so I imagine there are more now.
This book is shared with:
Shelleyrae at Book'd Out for the 2025 Nonfiction Reader Challenge. Category: True Crime
This sounds like an interesting book! I may suggest it to my book club for our 2026 calendar. We read mostly fiction, but every few months we try a nonfiction work. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteLes, I found it interesting and as you read you'll wonder how he got away with so much...at least temporarily. I think it would make for good discussion.
DeleteGood review! Yes I'm still wondering how he got away with so much. The book did make me think of various issues surrounding art and it sounds like we need that many art thief detectives to deter more. I put a review up on my site too yesterday. There's much to talk about on that book. Thx for reading it with me.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you have a great review on this book! Thanks for the mention of the author's book about the hermit. I may want to read that upcoming.
DeleteThis book has been on my radar for a while, but now it has made its way to my tbr!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, it was a quick read and quite interesting. I think it might make a good movie.
DeleteTerrific review, it sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelleyrae. I enjoyed the book. Also made me look up more about some of that art work.
DeleteI found this really fascinating too! And yeah the mother's actions at the end made me so angry. What waste and for no reason. The loss is heartbreaking. I did find the balance between buying art vs security so fascinating. I think there was some naive thought as well - I don't think people really believed that someone would have the audacity to just walk in and steal something off the wall or out of a display case.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I think what you said about people not beleiving someone could walk out with this art is so valid. Who would have the stones to do that?! It was awful what the mom did. Geez
DeleteFascinating book abaout a risky occupation, but I can see why he wanted to keep the art.
ReplyDeleteHarvee, the descriptions of the art were amazing. His boldness was unbelievable.
DeleteI waited until I finished the book myself before I read your review. Like you, initially I sympathized with Anne-Catherine, but I soured on her also when she took no responsibility for her role and lied in court. I ended up despising all of the people involved, but it was a fascinating book.
ReplyDeleteI love to go to museums, and I understand the urge to use precious resources to acquire rather than protect, but still...there are selfish people who will take advantage of that.
I enjoyed your review. Thanks.
Jane, that was a pretty good book and I see you enjoyed it as well. Absolutely agree, no sympathy for the mother or girlfriend!
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