The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

In May 1927, Salomon Rosman approaches Max Besner, a Parisian jeweler, with several hundred small diamonds. Rosman is celebrating the birth of twins, Ruth and Daniel, and he wants a piece of jewelry his wife can wear but that the children can inherit. He wants pieces that will be “[b]eautiful on their own, but stronger together” (2). As Besner examines the jewels, a butterfly enters the window and lands on the tray of gems. Rosman identifies it as his wife’s favorite, and Besner is inspired to make two bracelets that, separately, will look like lilies of peace, but together, will resemble a butterfly.

In July 1942, three Germans come to the door of the Rosman’s apartment in the 11th arrondissement. They take all four of the Rosmans, who are Jewish, and an officer named Möckel also takes Hélène’s jewelry. The narrator notes that Salomon and Hélène Rosman don’t survive the year, “[b]ut just as the jeweler had promised, the bracelets would live on. Diamonds always do” (6).

Colette Marceau is attending a fundraiser for the Boston Orchestral Education Consortium to steal an 8.07-carat yellow diamond ring worth $90,000 from Linda Clyborn. Colette reflects on her skill and strategy for stealing various types of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and watches.