Review: Harsh Realities
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 24, 2014
A raw, authoritative novel, RomperSuit centers on Charlie Campbell-Fuller, a seasoned 'Investment Banker' who represents a disaffected industry operating by ruthless and out-dated rules and regulations.We are shown the realities of life in general - social climbing, job insecurity, casual racism, designer violence, excessive drinking and extra-marital sex - and, perhaps more importantly, how they fall into the context of general career progression, office politics and camaraderie, and the opportunities to advance your lot in life. This is summed up in the two interview chapters where Charlie and one of his ferocious Vice Presidents grill potential candidates for roles in their department, not only about their Equities banking knowledge but which 'cool' films and books they read and which soccer teams they follow - both interviews end in punch-ups with markedly different but comical outcomes.Vivid and disconcerting, occasionally very funny, and deeply touching throughout, Rompersuit is a dizzying headrush of adrenaline - an authentic but very twisted look on the machismo world of finance and male bonding.