My local library had the complete ten-volume series in the foreign-language section. After skimming a few pages, I noticed that the prose was simple enough for my limited French, so I decided to give the books a try. My curiosity was also driven by the excellent Netflix adaptation, Lupin, which my family enjoyed.
This first collection of Lupin stories introduces the famous gentleman thief through a series of clever capers, disguises, and reversals. The plots are light, fast-moving, and often amusing. I particularly liked Lupin himself. He has a mischievous charm and a surprisingly big heart that make him easy to root for despite his criminal profession. The plot twists are also entertaining.
Unfortunately, much of the rest of the book did not work for me. The characters often feel cartoonish, and I found the values, mores, and social customs of the setting unappealing. The constant displays of status and ostentation grew tiresome. I was also frustrated by the way Lupin's henchmen and allies appear whenever the plot requires them and then vanish again without much explanation. The device reminded me of the worst Batman films, where a supervillain somehow commands an army of loyal followers without any believable organization, motivation, or planning behind the scenes.
The book was mildly entertaining, but I never became invested in the setting or the supporting cast. I am glad I tried it in French, yet I do not expect to continue with the rest of the series. 2/5 stars.
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