RAVI SUBRAMANIAN
The Bankster by Ravi Subramanian ;Published by Rupa Publications ; Pages 358 ; Price Rs 250/-
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Ravi Subramanian, the author of the book under review , is an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, who has dealt closely with the world of global banks in India for over twenty years. This has endowed him with a close and clear understanding of the capers of bankers. “If God was a Banker” was his maiden book and he walked away with the Golden Quill Readers Choice Award in 2008. Over the years he has acquired the moniker “John Grisham of India”.
The book embarks with three stories running at the same time.The chief item of the book is the familiar Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2).The key role player is Karan Panjabi, the banker –cum- financial journalist. The plot begins in an exotic locale in Angola and with Joseph Bragnanza, a CIA secret agent dealing in blood ,diamonds and arms . From Angola to God’s Own Country----we move to a small town in Kerala, Devikulam and a 75-year-old man fighting the government in Gandhian way for clarity in the nuclear program being commissioned in his area . Then we have our GB2 where the manipulations and power struggle throw rich light on the powerful bankers. With these three points –a triangle as it were--three streams of stories are developed clashing at times and finally converging into a denouement that deprives three bankers of their lives.
What could be the connecting point of an international CIA agent and events happening in Kerala and the tragic deaths of Greater Boston Global bank employees? .A major conspiracy to undermine the growth of the country and how it gets murkier with the contribution of some bankers? How is the financial crime unfolded and how does it rattle the foundation of the multinational bank?
The story starts with two different scenes; an undercover CIA agent is finalising a multi-billion dollar secret diamonds for arm and ammunition deal, a Kerala based resort owner get charged for smuggling of a dead Elephant’s Tusk.
As one reads one feels the events are happening in one’s presence . Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2) explodes when a number of murders rock the façade of the compliant and conforming bank that GB2 has built up over the years. Who is to blame? Who are the killers? And the motive? No one has a clue.
Karan Panjabi, a press reporter and an ex-banker digs deeper, he realises that he has discovered a massive conspiracy with far reaching ramifications - a secret that could destroy not only the bank but cast a shadow on the entire country. He is at his wit’s end. He has only thirty-six hours and must trust no one if he wants to stay alive and uncover the truth.
With changing leadership of GB2, everyone is re-framing one's equation with the brand new Indian CEO. An ambitious and senior banker is playing with bank’s key employees for some specific reason and vice versa. Then one day, sudden consecutive suicides of bank’s employees transformed a banker turned journalist to investigate the reasons behind the deaths and the damage caused to the Bank. Surprisingly, the result of the investigation turned out as a global conspiracy.
Eventually, the three stories get connected. The climax and connection between Vienna, Angola, Kerala, and Mumbai will turn out into an amazing suspense thriller a la Hitchcock.
Author has used real life incidents too in the book like- Koodankulam nuclear power plant protests, Fukushima incident, Chernobyl incident which makes this story realistic.
Ravi reveals his thorough knowledge, acute observation skill and abounding interest in global events . He has pulled out a neat and fast-paced thriller based on the corporate world of financial services. He has been able to give corkscrew twists to his tale . An engaging story line, elegant narrative power combined with truly realistic characters –and in impeccable good language---makes the “Bankster” and absolutely un-put-downable book.
P.P.Ramachandran.
9/6/2019.
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