The Banker [Paperback]

Leslie Waller (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Mayflower (1972)
• ASIN: B000LQ0PD0
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Commercial Banks try to neutralize the Saving Banks' attempts for equalization., November 4, 2010

By 

Dave Schranck "Dave" (Anaheim Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Banker (Mass Market Paperback)

Of all the books and scripts Mr Waller had written in his lifetime, this is my favorite. The main protagonist is Woods Palmer, a Chicago banker from a family of Chicago bankers who is hired by the largest domestic bank from NYC as the number two man to foil the plot by Savings Banks to pass legislation enabling the Savings to grow beyond their current legal confinement in order to even the playing field with the Commercials.

The book was originally published in 1963 and the plot was a real life hot button issue of the day but with what has happened to this country in the last decade the book is showing its age and may seem a little docile. I believe the book still has relevance and that many people will still enjoy the story.
Besides the main plot, there are many sub plots, twists and turns, that will keep you turning the pages. Palmer is an accomplished banker but one that has lived under the shadow of his strict, old fashion father and must prove to himself that he is not only the equal but better than his father. You will also get to experience his unhappy family life with a wife who cares more for her social circle than her husband, Palmer's new love interest, Palmer's boss who is an old arrogant SOB who has become the leader of the movement to squash the Savings Banks that has been CEO of the largest bank too long and has lost sight of the realities of the day. There are also politicans, wheeler dealers and news people who are looking out for themselves as well.

While Palmer is performing his assigned task with the Savings plot, he discovers his bank, United Bank, is under attack and there is an ingenious plot to take over the bank. His solution to save the bank is also ingenious. While you're reading about the exploits of Woods Palmer you will also have the opportunity to discover the traitors in United Bank that have gone over to the outside interest in taking over the bank.
The characterization of the dozen main characters and an equal number of smaller characters is in-depth and excellent and will give the reader a look into the lives of wealthy people with positions that have influenced our society for decades. You'll see the strengths and weaknesses of these people. The dialog is also good and worthy of the high status and sometimes deviousness of these characters.

Not wanting to give the whole story away, I've just scratched the surface but if you're looking for an involved story dealing with banking on a macro level that includes corporate and personal intrigue then this is worthy of your consideration.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expose of Financial Evil-Doings by "Respectable" Banks, October 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Banker (Hardcover)

This book examines the process by which banks control businesses and BIG businesses control banks, all of them engaged in making money for themselves at the expense of their customers. I really like the way the author explains the ins and outs of this complicated financial world while keeping this exciting story going.