Bank: A Novel

David Bledin
Back Bay Books (2007)
ISBN 9780316016735
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (4/07)

“Bank,” David Bledin’s tongue-in-cheek first novel, takes a look at the world of investment banking through the eyes of young college graduates desperate to receive an offer from an investment banking firm.  So desperate that they will work long hours and neglect their own lives, so desperate that they put up with detestable bosses that offer them no respect.  David Bledin offers a look into the life of Mumbles, Clyde, Postal Boy and the Defeated One.

Mumbles is the narrator in this novel.  He’s a good guy but he’s overworked.  Clyde is beyond caring about anything.  “He doesn’t give a damn.”  Postal Boy has a nervous twitch in his eye and is expected to go postal at any moment -- “The Columbine of the banking world.”  The Defeated One has a drug problem and a girlfriend with a drug problem.  He will work any amount of hours to support his habit.  These characters are attempting to achieve their goal of a permanent position in the banking industry.  They must learn to deal with #REF, evil bosses, and deleting the wrong sheets.

Their method of coping is to play pranks on their bosses.  One of their pranks is against the Prodigal Son.  The Defeated One saw him having sex with Unadulterated Sex.  The plan is to tape the two having sex at the office and then to broadcast it for all to see at a company party. 

“Bank” by David Bledin is a humorous look at the world of investment banking.  The characters act or react in a sophomoric manner.  But demon bosses that demand long hours drive them to their actions.  The scene where Mumbles is in a meeting with a client and he’s desperate to go to the bathroom is exceptionally funny.  We’ve all been in a similar situation at one time or another.  The cover of this book is a hand with the middle finder sticking up.  It speaks to what the reader will find inside.  However, many will look at the cover and pass this book up missing the funny tale that awaits them.  David Bledin is an extremely talented author.  This is a book that will appeal to young adults.

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