Author: Robert K. Wittman (with John Shiffman)
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Total Pages: 324
After 20 years in the FBI, Robert Wittman has seen a lot, including the creation of the Art Crime Team and the recovery of many stolen pieces of art. In his position, Wittman has literally touched hundreds of pieces of history.
In this New York Times bestseller, part memoir, part true-crime story, Wittman retells how he recovered stolen art, including numerous undercover operations, during his time in the FBI. There is conflict and action aplenty, as the author draws back the curtain on the world of art theft. There are occasional lulls in the action, as it seems that the story gets a little sidetracked.
The story is told in the first-person perspective, making it easy to identify with the author. However, this does also limit the reader to one point of view. While Witmann makes great efforts to include the readers in what happens before and after the undercover and recovery processes, it's these moments that cause the story to lose momentum. In some places, it feels as if elements of the back story are forced, rather than flowing into and out of the overall tale.
While many of the stories he shares are interesting, there are times throughout the book where it feels like Wittman is simply patting himself on the back. To be fair, what he has done is certainly remarkable and deserving of commendation. In the opinion of this reviewer, though, when said commendations are coming from the one person whose accomplishments are being lauded, it makes the whole effort seem a bit hollow and self-serving.
Bottom line:
Would I read it again? No
Would I recommend this book to someone else? Yes, but not enthusiastically
Would I recommend this book to someone else? Yes, but not enthusiastically
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