Sep 29, 2008 11:50 AM
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I came across this book with in one week after the release. Being a big fan of corporate stories - with out waiting for any review, I have purchased the book from Cross Words. And I love the theme of the book as I have seen / gone though many instances which the author mentioned in this novel. Overall - it can be categorised into a simple humble Indian English Story that can be categorised into "Chetan Bhagat Series" - but on quality of the stuff, I would rate it better than Chetan Bhagat.
About the Author - Ravi Subramaniam,was an alumnus of IIM - B, and is presntly working with HSBC in the capacity of Senior Vice President. A veteran in the Banking Industry, he worked with CITI Bank and ANZ Grindleys in his previous assignment.
Plot -The plot is about those who are associated with an MNC bank that was about to start operation India. The lead characters being
Aditya Rao -If god would be a banker, he would be "Aditya". A man of great wisdom who spearheads operation of the MNC Bank, Grooms young management graduates and later on quit the services of the bank to venture in his own business but continue to influence the life of others who associated with the bank due to his charismatic personality
Swami -The young IIM graduate who was recruited by Aditya - He came from a humble background, honest and sincere. He is not flamboyant and charismatic but he is quite mellowed and matured. Also, he is quite emotional and at times of difficulty, Aditya used to mentor him a lot.
Sundeep -Exact opposite character to Swami - IIM graduate recuruited by Aditya. He is outgoing, ambitious and flamboyant. He is obsessed with success and finally land up in bigger trouble. The story is being revelaed through his memories
Kalpana -Another IIM product, was classmate of Sundeep and he had a crush over her. But she decided to marry Swami and quit the job which was one of the first real life confrontation which Sundeep had to face in his life.
Natasha -Was Aditya's secretary. Later on marries Sundeep and was shifted to Swami's team. Beautiful, sensisble lady.
The story is about the interaction between these characters, development of retail banking in India, change in leadership in the Bank, the course of action adopted by Swami and Sundeep, how Sundeep climbs the corporate ladder, Swami loses the race ----. Sundeep was obsessed with success and even went to extent of bitching Aditya in their conversation, he was in bad company, his personal life was also in turmoil but finally it started affecting his career and he was called for giving the punitive action by the management. He was asked to leave the company but some twist that he never expected happens and he could see "GOD HIMSELF COMING AS A BANKER" which will bring him back to life.
I salute the theme of the story which is an eye opener to all those who are working with corporates. I could see many characters whom I know personally going through such situation. So, with out getting into too much of analysis on "which school of thought this book belong to" / "whether it is realistic" / "what about the language" etc., I would like to recommend this book for all those who are working with a corporate.
It is a book which will tell you - "what not to do if you want to go ahead in life"
Good opening Ravi - would like to have more books from you (even though your second book on "Ferrari" --- didnot do well)