What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Tell The Governor
On 8 November, when the clock strikes 12, your money will be no good. Somewhere on the India-Nepal Border, a car full of passengers swerves off a highway and plunges into a valley, its trunk full of cash. In the UK, a Bollywood starlet wins Big Survivor, the most popular reality TV show in the country. In Panama, Central America, a whistle-blower at a law firm brings down billionaires across the globe. And in India, a new RBI Governor is appointed. Aditya Kesavan is dynamic, charismatic and ambitious. And he's been handed the reins of the RBI on a platter. His only job: to make sure he doesn't rock the boat. But, unknown to him, the wheels have begun to turn, as the country heads towards the biggest financial event in modern Indian history. And Governor Kesavan is about to carry out the most brazen act of his life - and, perhaps, his most foolish. Will he be able to pull himself out of the mess he has got into or will he have to surrender to the manipulative forces behind the scenes? Running desperately out of time, the Governor must set things right.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
95 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Ravi Subramanian
27 books803 followersRavi Subramanian's latest book - IN THE NAME OF GOD - a thriller, releases on June 26, 2017
Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India.
He is the award winning author of eight bestselling books :
If God was a Banker (2007),
I Bought the Monks Ferrari (2007),
Devil in Pinstripes (2009),
The Incredible Banker (2011),
The Bankster (2012),
Bankerupt (2013).
God is a Gamer (2014)
The Bestseller She Wrote (2015)
His 9th book IN THE NAME OF GOD will release in 2017
If God was a Banker won him the Golden Quill readers choice award in 2008. He also won the Economist Crossword Book Award for The Incredible Banker in 2012. "The Bankster", released in 2012 won him the Crossword Book Award in 2013. In 2014 he won the Raymond Crossword book award for Bankerupt. His books have been translated into Hindi and Latvian. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Dharini, and daughter, Anusha.
To connect with him, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorravisubramanian or tweet to @subramanianravi or email him at info@ravisubramanian.in
Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India.
He is the award winning author of eight bestselling books :
If God was a Banker (2007),
I Bought the Monks Ferrari (2007),
Devil in Pinstripes (2009),
The Incredible Banker (2011),
The Bankster (2012),
Bankerupt (2013).
God is a Gamer (2014)
The Bestseller She Wrote (2015)
His 9th book IN THE NAME OF GOD will release in 2017
If God was a Banker won him the Golden Quill readers choice award in 2008. He also won the Economist Crossword Book Award for The Incredible Banker in 2012. "The Bankster", released in 2012 won him the Crossword Book Award in 2013. In 2014 he won the Raymond Crossword book award for Bankerupt. His books have been translated into Hindi and Latvian. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Dharini, and daughter, Anusha.
To connect with him, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorravisubramanian or tweet to @subramanianravi or email him at info@ravisubramanian.in
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 13, 2018
Before you start: Most of the events taking place in this book has been inspired by real-life scenarios. If you are aware of the Indian political scenario, it is important to forget that for a while a let the author proceed with his story.
While you read: The book is very informative and that’s one thing I absolutely loved about it. The author gives us an insight into banking and how the whole process works rather than throwing random terminologies at us. If you are not a fan of such writing, you might not really enjoy the plot.
The plot lacks originality, but it gives the Indian audience exactly what we need- Scandal, controversy, bad decisions by powerful people and a Bollywood actress( she has the potential to single-handedly change the course of a story in India).
While the author created a flawed but charming protagonist, he failed to do justice to his character. The ending was a bummer and totally out of character. It felt unplanned. The author created a thrill throughout the book and highlighted the fact that simple events can lead to major policy changes and the greed for power is way too much.
Don’t Tell the Governor is an informative and thrilling story, that shows us the workings of the RBI and its constant struggle to stay autonomous. This a book where we need to look at the small events rather than the bigger picture.
While you read: The book is very informative and that’s one thing I absolutely loved about it. The author gives us an insight into banking and how the whole process works rather than throwing random terminologies at us. If you are not a fan of such writing, you might not really enjoy the plot.
The plot lacks originality, but it gives the Indian audience exactly what we need- Scandal, controversy, bad decisions by powerful people and a Bollywood actress( she has the potential to single-handedly change the course of a story in India).
While the author created a flawed but charming protagonist, he failed to do justice to his character. The ending was a bummer and totally out of character. It felt unplanned. The author created a thrill throughout the book and highlighted the fact that simple events can lead to major policy changes and the greed for power is way too much.
Don’t Tell the Governor is an informative and thrilling story, that shows us the workings of the RBI and its constant struggle to stay autonomous. This a book where we need to look at the small events rather than the bigger picture.
July 11, 2019
Ravi Subramanian is not called 'John Grisham' of Banking for nothing. He spins such a great yarn inspired by real events, real people and makes it into a thriller. Yet, at times, he stretches credulity a bit too far.
The book climax is known from the book synopsis as it is supposed to end on Nov 8 2016. And hence, the mystery in the multiple narratives is how you piece them together. The truck accident piece with 60 lakhs of currency and the subsequent investigation is a decent bait.
Aditya, the unenviable Governor seems an odd choice for a protagonist. Replacing Rajan - the outspoken RBI Governor who doesn't look eye to eye with the Govt on growth, Aditya is shown pretty shallow. The power couple of Pallavi and her IPL owner/Jeweller and their paths crossing with Aditya is very Bollywood.
Some of the attempted twists didn't work. The story is intelligent but the actors are mostly stupid. Informative as usual - especially on Macroeconomics role in Monetary control. The corruption in the book very feasible.
Yet a quick read (which took me 2 months.. sigh).
The book climax is known from the book synopsis as it is supposed to end on Nov 8 2016. And hence, the mystery in the multiple narratives is how you piece them together. The truck accident piece with 60 lakhs of currency and the subsequent investigation is a decent bait.
Aditya, the unenviable Governor seems an odd choice for a protagonist. Replacing Rajan - the outspoken RBI Governor who doesn't look eye to eye with the Govt on growth, Aditya is shown pretty shallow. The power couple of Pallavi and her IPL owner/Jeweller and their paths crossing with Aditya is very Bollywood.
Some of the attempted twists didn't work. The story is intelligent but the actors are mostly stupid. Informative as usual - especially on Macroeconomics role in Monetary control. The corruption in the book very feasible.
Yet a quick read (which took me 2 months.. sigh).
November 28, 2018
I have heard about author Ravi Subramanian a lot and also many praises about his novels but before picking up this book, I was confused a bit, because from all the titles of his book, I could rule out that majority of them are based on banking and economics concept snd i have very little knowledge about that. But I am glad that I picked this one.
While reading I never felt that I have very little knowledge regarding these topics and also scandals. It’s written too wonderfully, that readers with very little background knowledge can enjoy the book.
Its difficult to write blurb for such books that has many important charters as well as events. The lead characters are such as Harsha Ranjan, governor of RBI, Aditya Keshavan, Vicky Malhotra, Pallavi as well is mention of Finance Minister and Prime Minister has a crucial role in the plot.
It was good to read major financial events and so called scandals. The story is definitely fiction but we can relate to many major events that took place.
Well written.
Overall-
▶️Page turner master piece.
▶️Not unique as we are aware of mentioned situation in the book but yet very different plot than routine novels.
▶️ Unpredictable as you can never guess what is going to happen next.
▶️”Definitely Recommend” from my side.
▶️Loved it.
While reading I never felt that I have very little knowledge regarding these topics and also scandals. It’s written too wonderfully, that readers with very little background knowledge can enjoy the book.
Its difficult to write blurb for such books that has many important charters as well as events. The lead characters are such as Harsha Ranjan, governor of RBI, Aditya Keshavan, Vicky Malhotra, Pallavi as well is mention of Finance Minister and Prime Minister has a crucial role in the plot.
It was good to read major financial events and so called scandals. The story is definitely fiction but we can relate to many major events that took place.
Well written.
Overall-
▶️Page turner master piece.
▶️Not unique as we are aware of mentioned situation in the book but yet very different plot than routine novels.
▶️ Unpredictable as you can never guess what is going to happen next.
▶️”Definitely Recommend” from my side.
▶️Loved it.
December 14, 2018
Ravi Subramanian is one author whose books I wait for. Even if he fails to write a good story once in a while, I still wait. One of the reason behind the wait is the way he weaves the real life events into a fast pace thriller. It gets to a level where you find it difficult to differentiate between fiction and reality. This book is no exception.
It starts with a car accident near Indo-Nepal border where 60lakhs in Indian currency are found in the trunk of the car. Upon investigation, It becomes clear that the currency was not fake. This revelation further intensifies the mystery of the accident and identities of the dead. A team of CBI agents is dedicated to solve this mystery.
It starts with the rift between the previous RBI governor and the government. Upon successful completion of his term, RBI governor is not given another term of three years. A fresh face, Aditya Kesavan, who is an NRI working as a professor in US, is appointed as the new governor. A few months later, even Aditya gets into the bad book of FM and PM. The tussle between Aditya and government leads to conspiracies and some mysterious events which form the larger part of the story.
As said in the first para, it's the events in real life that keep you glues to the book. It's almost impossible to stop reading without finishing. Even the character names are similar to their real life counterparts. "What if this is what actually happened?" is the question that visits you again and again. The end of the story could have been better. 40-50 pages worth of story could have been easily incorporated with this book. Not a disappointing end but could have been better. Get your hands on this as fast as you can.
It starts with a car accident near Indo-Nepal border where 60lakhs in Indian currency are found in the trunk of the car. Upon investigation, It becomes clear that the currency was not fake. This revelation further intensifies the mystery of the accident and identities of the dead. A team of CBI agents is dedicated to solve this mystery.
It starts with the rift between the previous RBI governor and the government. Upon successful completion of his term, RBI governor is not given another term of three years. A fresh face, Aditya Kesavan, who is an NRI working as a professor in US, is appointed as the new governor. A few months later, even Aditya gets into the bad book of FM and PM. The tussle between Aditya and government leads to conspiracies and some mysterious events which form the larger part of the story.
As said in the first para, it's the events in real life that keep you glues to the book. It's almost impossible to stop reading without finishing. Even the character names are similar to their real life counterparts. "What if this is what actually happened?" is the question that visits you again and again. The end of the story could have been better. 40-50 pages worth of story could have been easily incorporated with this book. Not a disappointing end but could have been better. Get your hands on this as fast as you can.
December 15, 2018
Don’t Tell the Governor is fabricated on the correlation and discord between the Indian Government and the Reserve Bank of India which is so evident in real life. It entwines the issues of Demonetisation, use of illicit currency, IPL and match-fixing, Terrorism, Bollywood and politics, which recently happened.
It was good to read the interwoven of these much talked about economic events devised as a financial thriller. The language is straight and fast-paced, thus making the book a page-turner. I loved reading it owing to its narration and flow.
Aditya Kesavan is appointed as the new Governor of the RBI. He is intelligent and smart, but somehow, he failed to impress. The author’s protagonist lacks a strategic mind and so decision-making skills. It was unsettling to identify him as a person easily falling in love and trap, thus performing his governor duties in an impetuous manner. I felt justice was not done by the author of the scholar’s mind who is competent enough to be the Governor of RBI.
The book presents the complete real scenario of economic news of the past few years, thus I could fairly predict the turns coming. It was like, I was reading ‘The Economic Times’ again.
A tinge of fresh thrill and better characterization could have made the book better. I loved it more if a few fictional characters have also been included and thus bringing in the twisted storyline.
Besides, I have my complaints about the cover of the book. It is not attractive enough to induce the readers to grab it. It’s only the blurb and the name of the author that will pique one’s interest in the book.
In spite of everything, the book is an easy read and could be finished in a maximum of two sittings. It is gripping and indeed compelling.
It was good to read the interwoven of these much talked about economic events devised as a financial thriller. The language is straight and fast-paced, thus making the book a page-turner. I loved reading it owing to its narration and flow.
Aditya Kesavan is appointed as the new Governor of the RBI. He is intelligent and smart, but somehow, he failed to impress. The author’s protagonist lacks a strategic mind and so decision-making skills. It was unsettling to identify him as a person easily falling in love and trap, thus performing his governor duties in an impetuous manner. I felt justice was not done by the author of the scholar’s mind who is competent enough to be the Governor of RBI.
The book presents the complete real scenario of economic news of the past few years, thus I could fairly predict the turns coming. It was like, I was reading ‘The Economic Times’ again.
A tinge of fresh thrill and better characterization could have made the book better. I loved it more if a few fictional characters have also been included and thus bringing in the twisted storyline.
Besides, I have my complaints about the cover of the book. It is not attractive enough to induce the readers to grab it. It’s only the blurb and the name of the author that will pique one’s interest in the book.
In spite of everything, the book is an easy read and could be finished in a maximum of two sittings. It is gripping and indeed compelling.
November 30, 2018
I was really excited from the cover reveal. But when I finished reading this book I found myself wasting time . It's nothing that much good enough to recommend all . But when I got to see few people really enjoyed reading it I gave it a second thought but nothing changed . Few characters are really predictable and even some incidents too. And lots of real life references has spoiled the concreteness of the plot .
I want to give it 3/5
I want to give it 3/5
November 25, 2018
All characters and events depicted in this book are entirely inspired. Similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is created deliberately.
Just the other day I was watching a South Indian Movie where “IPS” Hero of the movie mentioned news you read on first page are generated from business page. Seems that’s the reality of this world and the book.
Being a huge fan of Ravi Subramanian, I grab the book and had finished in two readings. It was a good read but my expectations were much more.
The story is a financial thriller centering the RBI governor and demonetization. There are multiple plots in the book and in the end, Author manages to bring them together to the known end.
While reading the book one feels as if he is just revisiting the major news over the past 2-3 years. Absence of any major twists and turns makes the book a predictable affair however the entertainment value is good. It has Sex, Money, Corruption and Treachery all in one place.
The Protagonist of the novel becomes the RBI Governor based on one Book he authored and throughout the book he behaves like a love stuck teenager who hasn’t a single clue what’s happening in world. Other identifiable characters events in book are Nirav Modi, Shilpa Shetty & Raj Kundra Marriage, IPL Fixing Scandal, IC-814 Hijack all leading to Demonetization. (When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.)
It seems to be a book written in Hurry to meet a deadline. I believe the Author should have added few twists and turns in plot.
2.5/ 5 Star because Author had set the benchmark in his previous books and this book didn’t met the high expectations.
Just the other day I was watching a South Indian Movie where “IPS” Hero of the movie mentioned news you read on first page are generated from business page. Seems that’s the reality of this world and the book.
Being a huge fan of Ravi Subramanian, I grab the book and had finished in two readings. It was a good read but my expectations were much more.
The story is a financial thriller centering the RBI governor and demonetization. There are multiple plots in the book and in the end, Author manages to bring them together to the known end.
While reading the book one feels as if he is just revisiting the major news over the past 2-3 years. Absence of any major twists and turns makes the book a predictable affair however the entertainment value is good. It has Sex, Money, Corruption and Treachery all in one place.
The Protagonist of the novel becomes the RBI Governor based on one Book he authored and throughout the book he behaves like a love stuck teenager who hasn’t a single clue what’s happening in world. Other identifiable characters events in book are Nirav Modi, Shilpa Shetty & Raj Kundra Marriage, IPL Fixing Scandal, IC-814 Hijack all leading to Demonetization. (When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.)
It seems to be a book written in Hurry to meet a deadline. I believe the Author should have added few twists and turns in plot.
2.5/ 5 Star because Author had set the benchmark in his previous books and this book didn’t met the high expectations.
January 25, 2019
Follow Just A Girl High On Books for more reviews.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before I begin to say anything about this book, let me just explain why I picked it up. I am a huge Jeffrey Archer fan and the title of this book is so much similar to something that Archer would write. I was instantly floored and simply had to try it out. That is why I took it in the first place.
Now before I tell you whether or not you should pick up this book, I just want to let you know that it is very much inspired from real-life events and with how things happen in real-life. For example, a character here wins a prize that was quite similar to something from Big Boss. Then there were things related to banking and politics, match-fixing and even demonetization (although the last two happen almost at the end of the book). However, you must not link this book and its characters with any of the real-life characters. For example, the PM here must not be linked to the current PM.
Now as far the story is concerned, it revolves around three major characters. Vicky Malhotra, who marries the winner of Big Survivor, Pallavi Soni and then finally meets Aditya Kesavan, a normal university professor who is suddenly tasked to be the RBI Governor of India. Considering how elite that position is, he quickly accepts it and then moves to India, already running away from his broken marriage. Everything is going great until all hell breaks loose. How that happens is for you to find out when you pick it up (and I highly recommend you do that, because I loved it).
What I loved the most about this book was the way things were explained here. I'm not a banking person. Hell, I don't even take care of my payments myself sometimes. My father does that for me. (Not always. Plus, I'm still a student and I don't even that many high payments so it is no biggie for him. :P) So I know very little of how things work in the banking world but Ravi Subramanian, in his novel, explained everything so I understood everything I needed to. It was just a line here and there so I doubt someone acquainted with banking should find it troubling, either.
Moving on, the other thing that I loved was Subramanian's writing style. It was addictive and I finished the maximum portion of the book last night. (Almost 200 pages of it.) And I didn't want to stop for a single moment.
The story-line is interesting and the characters kept the book moving throughout but there was one thing that didn't work out for me. And the book was way too realistic. It had everything that we see in news nowadays. There was a scandal, a controversy and even a massive robbery! That too, right after the Vijay Mallaya fiasco. Yes, that is mentioned, too. Haha!
But overall, it was a great read. The twists at the end rocked and I loved seeing how Aditya's mind worked.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before I begin to say anything about this book, let me just explain why I picked it up. I am a huge Jeffrey Archer fan and the title of this book is so much similar to something that Archer would write. I was instantly floored and simply had to try it out. That is why I took it in the first place.
Now before I tell you whether or not you should pick up this book, I just want to let you know that it is very much inspired from real-life events and with how things happen in real-life. For example, a character here wins a prize that was quite similar to something from Big Boss. Then there were things related to banking and politics, match-fixing and even demonetization (although the last two happen almost at the end of the book). However, you must not link this book and its characters with any of the real-life characters. For example, the PM here must not be linked to the current PM.
Now as far the story is concerned, it revolves around three major characters. Vicky Malhotra, who marries the winner of Big Survivor, Pallavi Soni and then finally meets Aditya Kesavan, a normal university professor who is suddenly tasked to be the RBI Governor of India. Considering how elite that position is, he quickly accepts it and then moves to India, already running away from his broken marriage. Everything is going great until all hell breaks loose. How that happens is for you to find out when you pick it up (and I highly recommend you do that, because I loved it).
What I loved the most about this book was the way things were explained here. I'm not a banking person. Hell, I don't even take care of my payments myself sometimes. My father does that for me. (Not always. Plus, I'm still a student and I don't even that many high payments so it is no biggie for him. :P) So I know very little of how things work in the banking world but Ravi Subramanian, in his novel, explained everything so I understood everything I needed to. It was just a line here and there so I doubt someone acquainted with banking should find it troubling, either.
Moving on, the other thing that I loved was Subramanian's writing style. It was addictive and I finished the maximum portion of the book last night. (Almost 200 pages of it.) And I didn't want to stop for a single moment.
The story-line is interesting and the characters kept the book moving throughout but there was one thing that didn't work out for me. And the book was way too realistic. It had everything that we see in news nowadays. There was a scandal, a controversy and even a massive robbery! That too, right after the Vijay Mallaya fiasco. Yes, that is mentioned, too. Haha!
But overall, it was a great read. The twists at the end rocked and I loved seeing how Aditya's mind worked.
November 10, 2018
An economics whiz NRI RBI governor. An NRI business man married to a fading Bollywood starlet. The meet in a plane, on a journey to India. Thereby starts staple Ravi Subramanian saga of twists, turns, betrayal, sleaze, blackmail and politics. Do read.
January 9, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via Harper Collins India in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
The first book I picked up the night after my exam was over – a brilliant fast paced choice it was, for I finished or rather binge read it late into the night; almost 2-3 hours after starting it.
,b>Don’t Tell The Governor has taken a whole lot of events that have actually happened in reality in relation the political and economic situation in India – so the reader has to take the fictionalized version of the event in the plot with a pinch of salt.
Going into the book – I have to be honest; I am very lost when it comes to finance and economics – the author, therefore, has done an excellent job of dumbing down the technical aspects for the readers, like yours truly, which made the journeying into the thriller all the more fun.
MONEY, S*X AND POWER – three things that make the world turn; and the author has exponentially used the three to turn the plot into one twist after the other. The author also did his best to do justice to a flawed yet somehow endearing protagonist – a character who ends up being a victim of the circumstances as much as the instigator of those circumstances.
The ending, though fails short of the justice I had expected to a plot that is full of twists and turns that held my attention throughout the book.
Don’t Tell The Governor is a thriller that will definitely appeal to the Indian population especially considering the hint of reality intermixed perfectly fiction!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon |
April 30, 2020
Completed the book in 2 days. Purely engaging, truly unputdownable thriller. Especially the last few chapters, truly was taken aback with the turn of events that was depicted. Just couldn't stop admiring the way it finished. I m pretty sure you will observe a smile of satisfaction after reading the book that contains everything you desire from a good entertaining story.
May 29, 2019
Title: Don’t Tell the Governer
Author: Ravi Subramanian
Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Thriller, Financial, Fiction
My rating: 5/5
Summary:
The story revolves around the fictional character of India’s Reserve Bank Governer Mr. Aditya Kesavan and his journey into the Central Bank doing what he felt was right. The novel though fiction has many real life incidents. The story is on how the events lead to honourable PM declaring Demonitization
My take:
I’ve always been an ardent Ravi S fan adoring his each and every book. However, when this book title was announced I somehow recollected Sir Jeffrey Archers novel Shall we tell the President. The title was so very similar. But being a Ravi S book I was sure it would offer something unique as read in the descriptions and so I had to pick this latest. Though I bought it on the day of publishing (last year) , I had to keep it on hold for some time.
Demonitization in India was one of the biggest move any government took to curb the money laundering. The book definitely had my interest pinned on the events that lead to it (even though fiction).
As usual, the book is a very gripping story which keeps you glued throughout anticipating what next. What is interesting is that the book has a lot of real life incidents and some background of the characters were not actually fiction. For e.g. Indian celebrity winning Big Brother and her wedding to a business tycoon (his second marriage): RBI Governer at loggerheads with central government prior to Aditya Kesavan etc.
The story is intelligently woven in an intriguing tale. There are lots of things happening parallelly. Importance has been given to minutest details making understanding of the events better. I also liked the way the working of RBI is explained to give the reader an insight into the lives of the authorities.
The most intriguing part is that many of the events predicted in the book turned out to be real e.g. PM winning the second term in Govt. Seemed like the author had a premonition of the events likely to take place.
The only place where I was confused about was the investigation being done. The same was being done in present day but I had to get to the end of the novel to actually realise it which I initially thought was parallel to the story.
Overall a hooking read. A great read for all the thriller (financial thriller) lovers.
Author: Ravi Subramanian
Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Thriller, Financial, Fiction
My rating: 5/5
Summary:
The story revolves around the fictional character of India’s Reserve Bank Governer Mr. Aditya Kesavan and his journey into the Central Bank doing what he felt was right. The novel though fiction has many real life incidents. The story is on how the events lead to honourable PM declaring Demonitization
My take:
I’ve always been an ardent Ravi S fan adoring his each and every book. However, when this book title was announced I somehow recollected Sir Jeffrey Archers novel Shall we tell the President. The title was so very similar. But being a Ravi S book I was sure it would offer something unique as read in the descriptions and so I had to pick this latest. Though I bought it on the day of publishing (last year) , I had to keep it on hold for some time.
Demonitization in India was one of the biggest move any government took to curb the money laundering. The book definitely had my interest pinned on the events that lead to it (even though fiction).
As usual, the book is a very gripping story which keeps you glued throughout anticipating what next. What is interesting is that the book has a lot of real life incidents and some background of the characters were not actually fiction. For e.g. Indian celebrity winning Big Brother and her wedding to a business tycoon (his second marriage): RBI Governer at loggerheads with central government prior to Aditya Kesavan etc.
The story is intelligently woven in an intriguing tale. There are lots of things happening parallelly. Importance has been given to minutest details making understanding of the events better. I also liked the way the working of RBI is explained to give the reader an insight into the lives of the authorities.
The most intriguing part is that many of the events predicted in the book turned out to be real e.g. PM winning the second term in Govt. Seemed like the author had a premonition of the events likely to take place.
The only place where I was confused about was the investigation being done. The same was being done in present day but I had to get to the end of the novel to actually realise it which I initially thought was parallel to the story.
Overall a hooking read. A great read for all the thriller (financial thriller) lovers.
April 10, 2019
Don't tell the governor
The book is a financial thriller revolving around the RBI governor & centralises 'demonetization' as it's primary topic. What I appreciated about this book is the characterisation is realistic. The factual approach given to the life of the characters decidedly tells us that they bear certain resemblances with our real-life daytoday characters whom we often come across in our everyday lives via Internet, newspapers, etcetera. So it turns out that the book may actually be a blend
of fiction & non-fiction.
The author has also tried to highlight here that takes the readers through a journey into the economy of the country - on the account of how the biggest decisions are actually taken by the government & the way they're implemented in a sequential step-by-step manner. The thriller aspects adds a feather to the cap. comes out as a winner in various aspects. Research has been done & can be seen evidently throughout the book. The sequence of twists & turns, the contemplating source of information certainly does help the readers to understand this topic better.
Apart from this, author also tried to show how RBI & other big power houses function.
Language is simple, good & easy to understand. Narration is okay. Only drawback I found was the climax could have been better & ending justified. Otherwise, it would have made an excellent read. Overall it was a good onetime read. However, I expected much more from the author as I've read his previous books & comparatively this one needs serious improvement.
The book is a financial thriller revolving around the RBI governor & centralises 'demonetization' as it's primary topic. What I appreciated about this book is the characterisation is realistic. The factual approach given to the life of the characters decidedly tells us that they bear certain resemblances with our real-life daytoday characters whom we often come across in our everyday lives via Internet, newspapers, etcetera. So it turns out that the book may actually be a blend
of fiction & non-fiction.
The author has also tried to highlight here that takes the readers through a journey into the economy of the country - on the account of how the biggest decisions are actually taken by the government & the way they're implemented in a sequential step-by-step manner. The thriller aspects adds a feather to the cap. comes out as a winner in various aspects. Research has been done & can be seen evidently throughout the book. The sequence of twists & turns, the contemplating source of information certainly does help the readers to understand this topic better.
Apart from this, author also tried to show how RBI & other big power houses function.
Language is simple, good & easy to understand. Narration is okay. Only drawback I found was the climax could have been better & ending justified. Otherwise, it would have made an excellent read. Overall it was a good onetime read. However, I expected much more from the author as I've read his previous books & comparatively this one needs serious improvement.
November 29, 2018
‘A political thriller to grip you in its sharp-edged claws’
‘Don’t tell the Governor’ is a financial thriller. It is the first book from the Author Ravi Subramaniam’s many books that I read. This is one of those books that I just couldn't put down. The thrill was intense, and the story was good.
‘Don’t tell the Governor’ is a fictional retelling of events that prompted one of the biggest decisions by the Indian Government. The Author has a unique way of writing a real page-turner.
Review
With multiple plots in the book, people may get confused but the brilliant aspect of this book is the element of action and how the author has tied up all the events and stories in this book in the end. The storyline is riveting, with Twist after twist, turn after turn....betrayal, secrets, lies. It has everything to make the book more entertaining: Politics, Sex, Terrorism, Bollywood, Love, betrayal.
The Author also gives us interesting insights into the working of banks. Well, yes the book is complicated and full of nonstop action. And it will keep you glued till the end. Some of the characters in this book are inspired from the prominent personalities. And the major events are inspired from the events happened in past.
What is the best part of the author's book is the attention to the details and the way Author Subramaniam paints a very vivid and descriptive picture that we feel we are right there in the middle of the story with the characters. I had finished the book in two readings.
Do I recommend it?
This book has good entertainment value, though it doesn’t leave any impact on you as a good book should have. Don’t tell the Governor by Ravi Subramaniam is a fast paced and action packed book for readers who love to read light books. So yes, it is good onetime read.
‘Don’t tell the Governor’ is a financial thriller. It is the first book from the Author Ravi Subramaniam’s many books that I read. This is one of those books that I just couldn't put down. The thrill was intense, and the story was good.
‘Don’t tell the Governor’ is a fictional retelling of events that prompted one of the biggest decisions by the Indian Government. The Author has a unique way of writing a real page-turner.
Review
With multiple plots in the book, people may get confused but the brilliant aspect of this book is the element of action and how the author has tied up all the events and stories in this book in the end. The storyline is riveting, with Twist after twist, turn after turn....betrayal, secrets, lies. It has everything to make the book more entertaining: Politics, Sex, Terrorism, Bollywood, Love, betrayal.
The Author also gives us interesting insights into the working of banks. Well, yes the book is complicated and full of nonstop action. And it will keep you glued till the end. Some of the characters in this book are inspired from the prominent personalities. And the major events are inspired from the events happened in past.
What is the best part of the author's book is the attention to the details and the way Author Subramaniam paints a very vivid and descriptive picture that we feel we are right there in the middle of the story with the characters. I had finished the book in two readings.
Do I recommend it?
This book has good entertainment value, though it doesn’t leave any impact on you as a good book should have. Don’t tell the Governor by Ravi Subramaniam is a fast paced and action packed book for readers who love to read light books. So yes, it is good onetime read.
April 15, 2019
Totally Filmy Plot !!!
Don't Tell the Governor is a pure entertaining thriller, which promises you Match Fixing, the IPL, Bollywood Sagas, Finance Industries, Ponzi Schemes, Duplicate Currency Printing Rackets, the Bank Interest Rates, Hijacking of an Airbus ...phew .. the list is just endless.
Ravi Subramanian takes all the above events and converges them to a single person, who is to bit responsible for the doings and also a decision maker to curb those.
The Book has everyone from RBI, to Finance Ministry , Prime Minister's Office and a Deal maker to cook up the plot.
The incidents mentioned in the book are all true and so are the people involved. The names are changed with a disclaimer about the story totally coincidental, but anyone from India , will just figure out the real people playing the character.
If you are looking for a Masala Read, go for this one.
Don't Tell the Governor is a pure entertaining thriller, which promises you Match Fixing, the IPL, Bollywood Sagas, Finance Industries, Ponzi Schemes, Duplicate Currency Printing Rackets, the Bank Interest Rates, Hijacking of an Airbus ...phew .. the list is just endless.
Ravi Subramanian takes all the above events and converges them to a single person, who is to bit responsible for the doings and also a decision maker to curb those.
The Book has everyone from RBI, to Finance Ministry , Prime Minister's Office and a Deal maker to cook up the plot.
The incidents mentioned in the book are all true and so are the people involved. The names are changed with a disclaimer about the story totally coincidental, but anyone from India , will just figure out the real people playing the character.
If you are looking for a Masala Read, go for this one.
November 27, 2018
Name- Don't Tell The Governor
Written By- Ravi Subramanian
Published by- HarperCollins
Pages- 312
Review-
How would you feel when the people you put your faith on betrays you in the worst possible way?
Enraged? Disgusted? Helpless?
That's exactly how Aditya Kesavan, the new RBI governor felt when he realized he was caught deeper within the net of conspiracy than he thought he would ever be.
Ravi Subramanian, has an unique talent of spinning a tale of lies, thrill, deceit and utmost betrayal surrounding the most scandalous and burning issues that India ever faced. The brilliant way in which he stringed every pearl of the most disastrous conspiracy theories in a single thread resonates his shrewdness.
The construction of the character of the RBI Governor who looks like a Greek God, though an older version, was itself extraordinary.
Aditya, though being an academic felt helpless when he felt the heat of India's political system.
Aditya, who had always been confident about his ways with women was swept off his feet by Pallavi, the Diva who won a British reality show. The manipulation and seduction by Pallavi, who married the rich Vicky, played the most important role in Aditya's downfall.
Aditya, unwillingly became the victim of the scheme of demonetization, that the Indian Prime Minister launched on November,8th, 2016.The causes of demonetization known to most of the citizens of India has been given a dramatic and thrilling twist by the author.
The scandal of match fixing too got to play an important part in this mystery.
Its pretty clear that the author does not believe in leaving loose ends for the readers to tie up. The book was a riot of every big conspiracy theories and scandals India had and faced, yet it was a relief to find closure at the end of the book. I wish I could say the same for the Aditya Kesavan,but as the title instructed, no one told the Governor.
Written By- Ravi Subramanian
Published by- HarperCollins
Pages- 312
Review-
How would you feel when the people you put your faith on betrays you in the worst possible way?
Enraged? Disgusted? Helpless?
That's exactly how Aditya Kesavan, the new RBI governor felt when he realized he was caught deeper within the net of conspiracy than he thought he would ever be.
Ravi Subramanian, has an unique talent of spinning a tale of lies, thrill, deceit and utmost betrayal surrounding the most scandalous and burning issues that India ever faced. The brilliant way in which he stringed every pearl of the most disastrous conspiracy theories in a single thread resonates his shrewdness.
The construction of the character of the RBI Governor who looks like a Greek God, though an older version, was itself extraordinary.
Aditya, though being an academic felt helpless when he felt the heat of India's political system.
Aditya, who had always been confident about his ways with women was swept off his feet by Pallavi, the Diva who won a British reality show. The manipulation and seduction by Pallavi, who married the rich Vicky, played the most important role in Aditya's downfall.
Aditya, unwillingly became the victim of the scheme of demonetization, that the Indian Prime Minister launched on November,8th, 2016.The causes of demonetization known to most of the citizens of India has been given a dramatic and thrilling twist by the author.
The scandal of match fixing too got to play an important part in this mystery.
Its pretty clear that the author does not believe in leaving loose ends for the readers to tie up. The book was a riot of every big conspiracy theories and scandals India had and faced, yet it was a relief to find closure at the end of the book. I wish I could say the same for the Aditya Kesavan,but as the title instructed, no one told the Governor.
January 8, 2019
A light read and recommended for novice readers. Most characters and sub plot lines are based on true events. At times, even characters with hardly a dialogue or two are named, which could have been avoided. Also, there is not much depth to the characters. A breezy read for a lazy day. What I would love to see from the author is a non-fiction book explaining finance for the dummies. His explanation for all finance concepts in this novel are perfect for a layman!
December 11, 2018
Trust Ravi Subramanian to weave a story out of current events. Demonetization, Bank NPAs, counterfeit currency, power games, honey traps, (Ran)vijay Malya, absconding jeweller Modi, IPL match fixing... You have it all in this book. Kandahar hijack and Pathankot base attack thrown in to fudge timing of the story almost as a subtle attempt to camouflage the characters with real ones.
Good one.
Good one.
February 1, 2019
The book read like a newspaper for most of the time, picking up events from various times of the Indian political scene. Was going to rank it 3 stars but the end was well managed and upgraded to 4 stars.
September 25, 2021
Good pop fiction ... Author weaves a story around one of the biggest actions of the Indian government recently ... Am sure readers will recognise what all this is leading to as they go through the novel
February 22, 2019
This one is a brilliant book and a must read if you have the tiniest interest in Finances or the politics of India.
April 4, 2019
Not a special book. I felt I wasted my time reading it. Too predictable.
February 5, 2021
Well yarned tale of behind the curtains of national politics.
January 22, 2019
IPL match-fixing scams, Vijay Malya’s exit (here he is referred to as Ranvijay), how currency notes are being controlled by a single company called De La Rue (here it is called Le Da Spire), which is involved in supplying blank notes to forgers. The mass printing of duplicate notes, which led to a dangerous situation where they were being used to fund crime – the only option now is to destroy all large denomination banknotes, so that these ‘duplicate’ notes will automatically get removed from the market, only possible by a drastic option – Demonetisation. Ostensibly to check black money, here it was shown as the only option to destroy the evidence of wrong practices being followed by the Reserve Bank, which is being instructed to carry-out wrong practices, at the insistence of the lobby, involving all the vested interests.
There are a few people trying to uncover the Government’s tricks – Dr. Subramaniam Swamy (here called Balasubramaniam) is shown questioning the Government’s policies, but the only thing they realistically achieve is to get higher ratings for the TV channels broadcasting these conspiracy theories – not much benefit for tax payers.
Then there are the Fixers, like Danish Khosla and financiars like Mehul Choksi, who are always seen pulling the hidden strings and allowing the crooks to evade the blundering progress of the law enforcement agencies.
Aditya Kesavan is the fictional Governor of the Reserve Bank, pulled in from a US University, to be the ‘fall guy’ – the person who will ‘toe the line’ of the Finance Minister. Initially he is shown as a brilliant academician, who has apparently written a successful book predicting the recession of the Chinese Economy, even when China was in the boom phase.
Kesavan is chosen, because the earlier Governor is asking too many awkward questions – awkward for the vested interests, who are not able to twist the system !
At the Federal Reserve annual conference in 2005, Raghuraman Rajan warned about the growing risks in the financial system and proposed policies that would reduce such risks. On 6 August 2013 Rajan took over as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a term of 3 years, succeeding the (earlier) Governor – Subbarao.
Surprisingly, after all that build-up, Kesavan’s actions, after becoming Governor, show none of the brilliance, with which he is credited. He makes mistake after mistake, getting trapped into helping a conman (Vicky Malhotra), who apparently abandons his wife Pallavi, who is carrying-on with Kesavan. Vicky Malhotra and his yesteryears-actress wife Pallavi Soni own a fictional IPL team called Telangana Tigers (apparently nothing to do with Jay Mehta and his famous actress-wife Juhi Chawla, who own the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders).
The ‘abandoned’ wife, however, turns out to be much smarter than this US-returned Governor. Kesavan is initially shown as a person ‘with a conscience’, but then he gets involved in all sorts of clandestine plots, to ‘help’ his girl-friend get crores, by turning a blind eye to corruption in his own department. Later on, when he refuses to toe the line of the Finance Minister, he is blackmailed into doing so, as he never realised that his own phone was being tapped – a little hard to believe, that anyone could be so naïve…🤣
There are a few people trying to uncover the Government’s tricks – Dr. Subramaniam Swamy (here called Balasubramaniam) is shown questioning the Government’s policies, but the only thing they realistically achieve is to get higher ratings for the TV channels broadcasting these conspiracy theories – not much benefit for tax payers.
Then there are the Fixers, like Danish Khosla and financiars like Mehul Choksi, who are always seen pulling the hidden strings and allowing the crooks to evade the blundering progress of the law enforcement agencies.
Aditya Kesavan is the fictional Governor of the Reserve Bank, pulled in from a US University, to be the ‘fall guy’ – the person who will ‘toe the line’ of the Finance Minister. Initially he is shown as a brilliant academician, who has apparently written a successful book predicting the recession of the Chinese Economy, even when China was in the boom phase.
Kesavan is chosen, because the earlier Governor is asking too many awkward questions – awkward for the vested interests, who are not able to twist the system !
At the Federal Reserve annual conference in 2005, Raghuraman Rajan warned about the growing risks in the financial system and proposed policies that would reduce such risks. On 6 August 2013 Rajan took over as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a term of 3 years, succeeding the (earlier) Governor – Subbarao.
Surprisingly, after all that build-up, Kesavan’s actions, after becoming Governor, show none of the brilliance, with which he is credited. He makes mistake after mistake, getting trapped into helping a conman (Vicky Malhotra), who apparently abandons his wife Pallavi, who is carrying-on with Kesavan. Vicky Malhotra and his yesteryears-actress wife Pallavi Soni own a fictional IPL team called Telangana Tigers (apparently nothing to do with Jay Mehta and his famous actress-wife Juhi Chawla, who own the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders).
The ‘abandoned’ wife, however, turns out to be much smarter than this US-returned Governor. Kesavan is initially shown as a person ‘with a conscience’, but then he gets involved in all sorts of clandestine plots, to ‘help’ his girl-friend get crores, by turning a blind eye to corruption in his own department. Later on, when he refuses to toe the line of the Finance Minister, he is blackmailed into doing so, as he never realised that his own phone was being tapped – a little hard to believe, that anyone could be so naïve…🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Had read one of the author's earlier works and thought this might measure up too. Turned out a bit like opting to watch RGV Ki Aag based on how Satya turned out!
You come away feeling like this is a product of the Modi propoganda machine. So many things conveniently and implausibly stitched together - note ban, Uri attack, you name it. A bit about the "PM's eyes being moist" as hge talks about citizens in trouble made me want to throw up.
All in all, a forgettable book. One star only because there isn't a lower option.
You come away feeling like this is a product of the Modi propoganda machine. So many things conveniently and implausibly stitched together - note ban, Uri attack, you name it. A bit about the "PM's eyes being moist" as hge talks about citizens in trouble made me want to throw up.
All in all, a forgettable book. One star only because there isn't a lower option.
September 10, 2019
The plot revolves around newly appointed RBI Governor. Why a new Governor was appointed? What’s his role? Is he the new puppet or is he the string holder… Read the book to know more.
When power and money drives the whole of society… What happens to the Governor?… Shh... Don't Tell The Governor.
When power and money drives the whole of society… What happens to the Governor?… Shh... Don't Tell The Governor.
November 19, 2018
Barring a few grammatical errors, this book does every bit of justice to the hype and theme.. Ravi subramanian is truly John Grisham of Banking..
September 12, 2025
A masterfully crafted thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page, a true triumph for the king of financial thrillers.
September 6, 2019
The author is a well known star writer from South India, also known as John Grisham of India, who spent most of his professional life in senior positions of Indian national banks, after his management degree from IIM, Bangalore. His previous books have National award winning status. His fans and film producers eagerly wait for his next creation always.
Storyline:
India would never forget 08th Nov,2016, when its iconic Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetization of Rs.1000 and Rs.500 notes with immediate effect on his address to the nation on television. This book’s storyline revolves around this daring incident, fictionalized in the author’s style.
The much flaunted Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Aditya Kesavan, brought in as a replacement to the earlier Governor, handpicked by the Prime Minister of India, gets involved in a secret love affair with Pallavi Soni, a model cum not so successful film actress married to an ambitious businessman, Vicky Malhotra. It all starts well when Vicky starts some ambitious projects in India like an online E-Commerce portal, a stake in one of the star teams in IPL Cricket, and Suyog Monthly Gold Scheme. He befriends Aditya in one of the company’s high level parties which leads to Pallavi getting physically attracted to Aditya and later falling in love with him. All goes well until all of Vicky’s businesses crumble, due to lack of customer patronization and change in Government policies. Vicky abandons Pallavi, when it was found that Indian Government was about to arrest Vicky for huge bank defaults. This is when Aditya comes to the rescue of Pallavi for the repayment of the 300 crores, due to the banks, by using his power as an RBI Governor. He diverts that amount secretly from the amount paid by the Government to a terrorist organization of Pakistan to get hostages released from an Indian Airlines hijack event. The story ends with a bang when the Prime Minister announces demonetization of high denomination currency one day suddenly, thus invalidating all the money siphoned off by Aditya as well as that paid to the terrorists. Aditya is caught off hook when the PM forces or rather blackmails him to approve this demonetization as an RBI Governor in return to squash his theft charges on him.
Many other characters like Dhanish Khosla, who works as a lobbyist, under cover for the PM to unearth such secret deals in his Government, Mehul Modi, who escaped the country after defaulting more than Rs.5000 crores to the banks, De La Spire, a Swiss company which supplies currency paper to print Indian currency have been juxtaposed to create some spice in the story. The overall experience of the much talked about demonetization is rolled into an interesting story covering many recent events that stormed the headlines of press /media but forgotten by the people of the country.
Pros : The author very tactically put forward how Government of India manipulates the so-called autonomous apex body Reserve Bank of India to fund the former’s financial emergencies, just like a fly in the bottle. Also, one gets to know how the terrorist organizations in Pakistan are being funded through fake Indian currency for infiltration as well as destabilizing the economy. The book has hair raising twists and turns. The author links different events in the end with proper justification for every wrong action. He once again proves the fact that the wrong doers cannot get away forever but one day will be brought to justice either by God or fate. The famous saying “Never Sleep with Someone whose troubles are more than yours” is quite relevant to Aditya’s sexual perversion towards Pallavi that ultimately led to his professional as well as moral downfall. I bet that this book if made into a film would fetch huge profits to the Bollywood industry.
Cons: There are some open ends left in the story when it comes to Vicky and Mehul that ran away with huge money defaulted from the banks. Maybe, its because similar situation are still unsolved, in the current scenario of such real life characters in recent Indian financial scandals. The Indian monetary policy and loopholes in the banking industry are shown to be quite weak and prone to easy money laundering by clever businessmen, which might not be very true always.
My rating is 4 out of 5
Storyline:
India would never forget 08th Nov,2016, when its iconic Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetization of Rs.1000 and Rs.500 notes with immediate effect on his address to the nation on television. This book’s storyline revolves around this daring incident, fictionalized in the author’s style.
The much flaunted Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Aditya Kesavan, brought in as a replacement to the earlier Governor, handpicked by the Prime Minister of India, gets involved in a secret love affair with Pallavi Soni, a model cum not so successful film actress married to an ambitious businessman, Vicky Malhotra. It all starts well when Vicky starts some ambitious projects in India like an online E-Commerce portal, a stake in one of the star teams in IPL Cricket, and Suyog Monthly Gold Scheme. He befriends Aditya in one of the company’s high level parties which leads to Pallavi getting physically attracted to Aditya and later falling in love with him. All goes well until all of Vicky’s businesses crumble, due to lack of customer patronization and change in Government policies. Vicky abandons Pallavi, when it was found that Indian Government was about to arrest Vicky for huge bank defaults. This is when Aditya comes to the rescue of Pallavi for the repayment of the 300 crores, due to the banks, by using his power as an RBI Governor. He diverts that amount secretly from the amount paid by the Government to a terrorist organization of Pakistan to get hostages released from an Indian Airlines hijack event. The story ends with a bang when the Prime Minister announces demonetization of high denomination currency one day suddenly, thus invalidating all the money siphoned off by Aditya as well as that paid to the terrorists. Aditya is caught off hook when the PM forces or rather blackmails him to approve this demonetization as an RBI Governor in return to squash his theft charges on him.
Many other characters like Dhanish Khosla, who works as a lobbyist, under cover for the PM to unearth such secret deals in his Government, Mehul Modi, who escaped the country after defaulting more than Rs.5000 crores to the banks, De La Spire, a Swiss company which supplies currency paper to print Indian currency have been juxtaposed to create some spice in the story. The overall experience of the much talked about demonetization is rolled into an interesting story covering many recent events that stormed the headlines of press /media but forgotten by the people of the country.
Pros : The author very tactically put forward how Government of India manipulates the so-called autonomous apex body Reserve Bank of India to fund the former’s financial emergencies, just like a fly in the bottle. Also, one gets to know how the terrorist organizations in Pakistan are being funded through fake Indian currency for infiltration as well as destabilizing the economy. The book has hair raising twists and turns. The author links different events in the end with proper justification for every wrong action. He once again proves the fact that the wrong doers cannot get away forever but one day will be brought to justice either by God or fate. The famous saying “Never Sleep with Someone whose troubles are more than yours” is quite relevant to Aditya’s sexual perversion towards Pallavi that ultimately led to his professional as well as moral downfall. I bet that this book if made into a film would fetch huge profits to the Bollywood industry.
Cons: There are some open ends left in the story when it comes to Vicky and Mehul that ran away with huge money defaulted from the banks. Maybe, its because similar situation are still unsolved, in the current scenario of such real life characters in recent Indian financial scandals. The Indian monetary policy and loopholes in the banking industry are shown to be quite weak and prone to easy money laundering by clever businessmen, which might not be very true always.
My rating is 4 out of 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews