Scammed- Confessions of a Confused Accountant written by an author
who wishes to remain anonymous is an insightful story that gives readers a
glimpse into the dark underbelly of the Indian corporate world, which often
linked with corrupt politicians and power hungry individual’s results
in an ugly and lethal combination indeed.
The book traces the story of Hitesh Shah, a young accountant who is
stuck in a dead end job with a pushy boss who makes him feel incompetent and
dissuaded. Hitesh’s moment of glory arrives when an impressed client offers him
the role of the CEO of a company. Taken in by this lucrative proposal and the
possible change of his fortune, Hitesh gladly accepts this new role. Though then,
little does he realize the murky waters he’s about to enter given the
scandalous history and political connections of the people involved in running
this business.
Hitesh Shah is now the CEO of Super Cabs- a private company whose
finances and fortunes he turns around. Super Cabs soon gains steady popularity
and Hitesh is being interviews by TV channels and is in the news for the
success and popularity of Super Cabs and becoming a youth icon and an inspiring
young entrepreneur-Hitesh also begins dating a struggling yet attractive model
Sushma, on whom he showers a lot of attention and expensive gifts. The owners
of Super Cabs expect accelerated success and Hitesh gives into some questioning
decisions made by the top management. Hitesh’s life appears perfect, when
suddenly the labour union of Super Cabs stirs up trouble, giving rise to rumours
of fraud- eventually opening a can of worms. Caught in the middle of this ugly
controversy which soon turns political, Hitesh finds himself on the run.
This is when Hitesh’s middle class virtues of simplicity, ambition
and appreciation of friendship and noble gestures comes to his rescue and help
keep him sane through this rough phase. The ending of the book is interesting
and keeps up the suspense considering that Hitesh is not completely innocent,
since he overlooked many warning flags and questionable decisions made by the
owners of Super Cabs. Eventually, it’s interesting to see how Hitesh gets out
of this sticky situation.
What appealed to me about the book was its fast paced, gripping
narrative. Though the author has spent time fleshing out the characters he
wastes no time and keeps the plot moving at a gripping pace- which is what a
book of this nature requires. Its uncomplicated prose and familiar corporate
urban setting contributes to an engaging and light read, making for an
excellent travel companion on a train or plane.
(This is a book review requested by the publisher)
(This is a book review requested by the publisher)
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