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The Bankster Review

Let me begin by saying that The Bankster is a gripping novel. Its written by Ravi Subramanium who has already a bunch of best selling books to his credit. Even though he has a fab record of good books, this is the first book of his that I have read and needless to say, I want to read more of his works. He goes deep into his plots and boomerangs the story with a solid punch of thrill.

We have three story tracks here. One deals with the CIA and its covert activities. Ravi has infused lot of vision and research on this one. Joseph Braganza is supposedly involved in the blood diamond trade in Africa on directions of the CIA. He trades them for arms and ammunition.  The character is what we have already seen in so many western films and novels but still the author makes it look and feel different.

On a parallel note we have Krishna Menon from Devikulam who is fighting for Nuclear Plants Safety in India, specifically for a plant that is close to his home. This sub plot draws references from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and of the more recently nuclear disaster in Japan when Tsunami caused havoc to one of its nuclear plants. It also throws light on corruption in India and how it impacts young folks like Krishna's son in this story who sees his father being humiliated by the system for no fault of his.

The third and the main plot is Ravi's specialty. The banking sector and its inner workings. However, this one comes out to be very routine. You almost expect a sultry and sexy employee with a egoistic and overbearing boss. You also expect slices of office politics. We also know how to push sales, members of the fairer sex are put forward and the poor ugly guy trails back for lack of beauty and charm. Even though it makes an interesting read, you almost always know what is going to happen next. Except of course, why are so many murders happenings as if we are in John Grisham's novel The Firm? A cashier dies, than a RM and her husband and more murders take place. It just juices up the story in an eerie way.

But the question now arises is how are these three different worlds connected? One is of CIA Agent's covert dealings, other is anti - nuclear protest and these are somehow connected to a bank in Mumbai. It is here that Ravi strikes hard and captivates the reader in his story telling skill. The climax is well researched, well crafted and very interesting. The story unravels bit by bit and you got to savor its every moment till the end as the drama unfolds and the three stories interconnect.

A highly recommended book, especially for all those high fly youngsters who want to make it big and make it big fast. In his own subtle way the author using a simple story has brought to light the underbelly of finance and the financial world.


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March 8, 2013 at 2:47 PM
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