Swimming With Sharks
Hightlight
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Geographical
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Historical
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Leadership
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Narrative Driven
Swimming With Sharks: My Journey into the World of the Bankers
Author
Joris Luyendijk
Published Date
2015
Page Count
288
Overview
“Swimming With Sharks: My Journey into the World of the Bankers” by Joris Luyendijk is an anthropological exploration of the banking industry. Luyendijk, a journalist with no prior experience in finance, delves into the heart of London’s City, conducting interviews with a wide range of banking professionals. The book offers an inside look at the culture, practices, and mindset of those working in the financial sector, revealing a world of immense pressure, complex moralities, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis.
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - Guardian Faber Publishing (Publisher)
Key Themes
- Banking Culture and Ethics: The norms, values, and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals working in banking.
- Impact of the Financial Crisis: Personal accounts of how the 2008 crisis affected the industry and those working in it.
- Personal Stories and Interviews: Insightful anecdotes and experiences shared by bankers, traders, and other finance professionals.
- Critique of the Financial Industry: Examination of the systemic issues and challenges within the banking world.
Historical Context
Set in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the book addresses the changes, challenges, and public perceptions of the banking industry during this tumultuous period.
Author’s Background
Joris Luyendijk is a journalist and author known for applying anthropological methods to explore and explain complex professional environments.
Impact and Legacy
The book has been praised for its accessible and humanizing portrayal of the banking world, offering insights that challenge stereotypes and simplistic judgments about the finance industry.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Luyendijk’s outsider perspective and journalistic approach provide a fresh and engaging look at the banking sector.
Weaknesses: Some readers with a background in finance might find the exploration somewhat surface-level or would prefer more technical insights.
Who Should Read This?
Ideal for readers interested in understanding the human aspects of the banking industry, particularly in the context of its post-crisis evolution.
Similar Books
- “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” by Michael Lewis: Focuses on the build-up to the 2008 financial crisis and those who bet against the market.
- “Liar’s Poker” by Michael Lewis: A portrayal of the excesses and risk-taking culture of Wall Street in the 1980s.
Final Thoughts
“Swimming With Sharks” offers a unique and humanizing view of the banking world, providing readers with an insightful perspective into the lives and ethics of those working within this often misunderstood industry.
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - Guardian Faber Publishing (Publisher)
