Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief
If Penguin Classics’ recent reissue of FANTÔMAS left you thirsting for more classic French pulp, the publisher extends an ice-cold glass of lemonade in the form of Maurice LeBlanc’s ARSÈNE LUPIN, GENTLEMAN-THIEF.
Like the anti-hero known as Fantômas, Lupin isn’t exactly on the right side of the law. However, as Michael Sims points out in his pitch-perfect introduction, he’s not a bad guy. Instead, he’s morally aligned with Robin Hood, stealing only from the rich, often benefiting the poor.
Rather than a novel – though a few came into being thereafter – Lupin was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century in a long series of short stories. Five collections were produced, and Penguin Classics’ edition rounds up the best from each, with Sims providing notes that explain and fill in gaps when needed.
The first story – “The Arrest of Arsène Lupin” – is just that, but that trick is determining which of the people onboard a cruise ship is the wanted criminal. Lupin’s a master of disguise, you see, and often the reader is left is the dark as to his identity. But not always.
Immediately following are the serialized “Arsène Lupin in Prison” and “The Escape of Arsène Lupin,” which combined make for perhaps the most clever pages in the collection, for reasons you’ll discover on your own. Starting with the fourth tale, “The Mysterious Railway Passenger,” the adventures take on a more detection-style bent, which Sims notes were directly influenced by Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes canon.
That influence is evident, even if LeBlanc’s work is inferior. However, that’s not a knock against it, because it’s still a lot of old-school mystery fun. LeBlanc simultaneously pays tribute to and parodies Doyle in “Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late.”
A missing necklace, a mysterious clock, a young woman’s murder – these are the stuff of the Lupin stories, many of which take on a locked-room aspect or otherwise impossible circumstances, from which much of their appeal is generated. These tales aren’t for everyone – the mannered language and pacing will take some getting used to if you’ve never been exposed to it – but those who crave classic detection with wit and wonder will warm to them instantly. –Rod Lott
To listen to free audio version of “The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar” it is at:
Though the characters are simple minded and cartoonish, there is some nice portrayal of emotions at the climax of the book. The plot moves slowly, not an action, but the humor is delightful.
All in all this is a likeable book!