This was the first time ever that I was reading something about finance. A subject that bores me to death. But the way the author Ravi Subramanian weaves a thriller around the on-goings of a bank, The Bankster gets you hooked to the otherwise boring world of white collar world of bankers. But not that efficiently as a riveting thriller should.
The Bankster is about a bank that is headquartered at Mumbai. Its about a nuclear plant in Kerala. And also, about dark business of blood diamonds in Angola. Sounds interesting isn't it? Ditto, was my feeling when I read the summary on back cover of the book. (Thank You for signed copy, dear author). I was curious about how the three tracks are mixed up together. In return, I came a bit disappointed. The opening chapter, set in Angola, creates a different world, a storyline, that hardly features, or even has traces of it throughout the book. And that leaves you wondering why this certain character was introduced in very first place. Next one, track of a nuclear plant in Kerala, is again, makes the pace suffer featuring in between the main story that happens largely at Greater Boston Global Bank and its headquarters.
The main track that involves life of many characters working in the GB2 bank, is absolutely interesting. Of course, being an ex-banker, the writer excels in his comfort zone. Portraying each little details of bank processes, fraudulent consequences, underground movements or even cut-throat competition in the office itself. Everything keeps you glued to the story. Though sometimes, Ravi's love for detailed description mars the interest of reader. Like in one chapter, he goes so deep portraying a day in a life of a fisherman, and that is so detailed that even goes in depth geographical details of Thane creek. Not giving out the spoilers, but one major action sequence that is so close to finale, gets too dragged while the character making puzzles to his counterpart about what he found out. But again, the track where two characters are introduced who through investigations of all the wrong-happening with the bank is pretty well executed.
Amalgamation of these three tracks into one, towards the finale, is a perfect one though. But it did not give me 'big shock' moment with its revelations. Maybe its because everything got a bit stretched (maybe its just me). Final words? Well, business of Banking, where integrity and trust matters the most what happens behind those shining glass doors, reading about it, is a ride for sure. I would say The Bankster is an engaging read as far as the main story line goes by. Given if it is cut by a few pages, it could have been an absolutely gripping affair. But would recommend it for the variety it offers.
This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com . Participate now to get free books!
Helli darshit,
ReplyDeletey dun u rate ur review?