The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession
Book 3 of "Deseret Dreamers"
Published in: 2023
Plot: In The Art Thief, Michael Finkel explores the captivating life of Stéphane Breitwieser, an extraordinary thief who executed over two hundred heists across Europe, amassing more than three hundred stolen art pieces. Unlike typical criminals, Breitwieser stole not for profit but to create secret rooms where he could admire his treasures. Possessing remarkable skills to bypass security systems, he was driven by an obsessive need for beauty, which ultimately led to his downfall as he ignored his girlfriend's warnings until one final act of hubris ended his spree. This tale intertwines themes of obsession, love, and the lengths one will go to possess art.
Trivia: Stéphane Breitwieser had not spoken with an American journalist before Michael Finkel.
We had another first at the Lone Peak Book Club this week—an author entertained us with a PowerPoint presentation. Before we dove in to talking about The Art Thief, author Michael Finkel had a brief presentation where he highlighted his career as a journalist, as well as some details on his latest book. I don’t think we quite realized the scope of Finkel’s work as a journalist. It was astounding, and I’m sure we could have spent the hour talking about his career.
But alas, we gathered to talk about The Art Thief. Finkel talked about how it took 11 years to get the book published, largely because the subject was initially reticent to talk to an American journalist. In the PowerPoint, Finkel highlighted many pieces that Breitwieser stole over his career. And then our discussion leader kicked things off.
The leader talked about how the chase of something is more exciting than the object of the chase. And how funny that can be. We think we want something and we spend so much time and effort to get it. Then we get it…and we are left wanting more, or we want to experience the chase again. Finkel loved the remark and said that plays into the psychology of Breitwieser. Obtaining art did not provide the same high as the quest for it.
We talked about how much fun Breitwieser and his girlfriend had stealing. They never used violence to achieve their goals. They were “plunder drunk” and “giddy” when they pulled off a heist. Finkel said they were intoxicated with the art and with each other. They had a four-post bed and were surrounded by some of the most beautiful works of art ever created. “What could be cooler than being in your 20s, stealing art from museums and going home to sleep with your girlfriend? Of course, he was living in his mom’s attic, but still!” We agreed that Breitwieser is truly a one-of-one typer person. Nobody quite like him.
This led into a discussion about what we think is beautiful and what we would do to obtain it. The group didn’t offer up too many answers right away, but they thought about what beauty means to them. This is certainly a question raised in the book. And how do we approach beauty? Finkel said he wishes Breitwieser could have been an art professor. “He would have been a great art historian.” The group likes Breitwieser’s approach to art: if it stirs up an emotion in you, that’s all that matters.
The readers commented on the somewhat relaxed theft laws in Europe. “If you robbed a museum in Utah, you’d get a few years for every piece you stole!” one reader said. Finkel said it’s more how you steal in Europe than what you steal. For example, if you stole a candy bar with a gun, that will receive a harsher punishment than stealing a painting without hurting a fly. The group could not believe how light his sentencing was.
One reader remarked on the character of Breitwieser. “I think he’s kinda full of shit.” His perception is that Breitwieser was doing so much of what he did to maintain a certain image, something the reader could relate to. He thinks Breitwiester thinks he is better than everyone and knows best. “He just wanted to uphold his image so he could keep committing crime.” The group agreed, and another reader admitted to having somewhat complicated feelings. “I don’t agree with what he did, but he didn’t hurt anyone and he had interesting motives for doing what he did.” A reader also said he thinks Breitwieser is more of a kleptomaniac than he wants to admit, since he could never really help himself.
On the cover of our book is a picture of a bat. A reader asked Finkel, “Why the heck is there a bat on the cover? This didn’t pop up in the book.” Finkel was tickled that question was asked, as it is rarely asked. He said the original draft of the book was about 500 pages (finished book is about 220). And in the original draft, he chronicled how Breitwieser tried 3 times to steal that bat painting and was never successful. When we heard this, a reader said, “It’s like you’re taunting him!” We had a good laugh at that.
The discussion was lively. It’s simply one of those stories you can’t believe is real. And it’s complicated. Finkel, in his writing or presentation, never told the audience how to think or feel about Breitwieser. He leaves that up to the readers, which was appreciated. It proved to be more fruitful conversation that way.
Towards the end, the group was curious about the career Finkel has had. He’s spent time in Haiti, Afghanistan, and the Gaza Strip, to name a few places. Readers asked him what keeps him writing what draws him to certain stories. He talked about how we all have a shared humanity and it’s important to strive to see that in people, even those where it is tempting to label them as “all bad.” “We all eat eggs for breakfast. We all have families.” I think that’s an important thing to remember, and was a good note to end the discussion on.
Big thanks to Michael Finkel who met with us. He signed books for us and offered to be a resource in any way he could. He was a big hit. You should check out the book and listen to the RadioWest interview. It’s an unreal story.
Next week, we have yet another author visit. Steve Peck will be joining us as we discuss his existential novella A Short Stay in Hell.
Thanks for following along. We hope you’re reading something good. See you next week!
E.
P.S. If you’re looking for another literary newsletter, friend of the house Maggie writes regularly over at Binge Reads. Check it out if you’re so inclined.
If you would like to read The Art Thief here are some links: