It seems to me that I am, slowly but surely, becoming a Dick Francis fan. After "Reflex", "Banker" came next on my list. Here are my thoughts after reading the novel. The composition of this novel mirrors that one of "Reflex", in terms of slowly unfolding plot. However, unlike "Reflex", "Banker" spans over the time period of three years. But thanks to Mr. Francis' polished writing, the transitions between the years are smooth, and the final product is a well-paced novel. The events at the beginning of the novel might seem random at first, but as the book progresses, it becomes obvious fairly quickly that things are not as benevolent as they might seem at first glance. The deviousness and foul-play seethe under the surface, almost like in "Rosemary's baby", but on a minuscule level - here we haven't got any satanists, but there are certainly mysterious conspiracies. The latter were very well thought of; I predicted a thing or two, perhaps, but that's because I love to propose outrageous theories during the reading of a novel (at times they turn out to be correct), and not because the novel is predictable. Then there's the protagonist. Tim Ekaterin is... well, what to say? The kind of guy you want to have around, in any kind of function. He's determined to make a name for himself and prove himself worthy of a responsible position at the bank, he contemplates every candidate for financing with much care and forethought. He's honorable and trustworthy - the type that always does the right thing, no matter what. Tim goes to extreme lengths to save his bank's money, and while that may sound as if though he's cold and calculative, it's not so. He often reacts on instinct, which in the end always proves to be a good thing to do. Although one can hardly find a fault in Tim's character, I just can't help but like him. Francis made his character believable, and that's good enough for me! As I've gathered, the common denominator of all Dick Francis novels is the tie with the late writer's former occupation. "Banker" is indirectly connected with the world of horses and racing. It primarily deals with the goings on in a London merchant bank, but as the novel progresses, certain aspects of the racing world emerge and take the steering wheel, so to speak. However, Tim's job at Ekaterin's is described very persuasively, and the reader can get a fairly good idea about what being a director in a merchant bank is about. As Tim examines an unusual case which requires his stamp of approval for financing, both he and the reader get enlightened about running a horse farm, and the proper care and feeding of race horses, which make the novel more interesting and give it that special Francis flare.Overall, I'm very pleased with this book, and I can recommend it to everyone looking for an entertaining mystery read. Suitable for youngsters. P.S. I also like the ambiguous title of the novel! Such wordplay is always bound to get extra points from me.
What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, this review covers all of his books, and yes I've read them all) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. The heroes aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world.But more than that, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice. Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, like able, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would think of normal persons living in British society.You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing, you will grow a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. You will read the books, devouring one after the other and trust me Dick Francis has a lot of novels (over 40 by my last count).There are several series woven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with a fierce hunger that remains insatiable and I mourn his death.
What do You think about Banker (2000)?
Well banker is a very knowledgeable novel. It is full of mysterys , crime, etc.. The beauty(uniqueness) of this novel is that its narrated by a banker. This novel centre around horse racing which is I think the best topic for novelist.I like it because it provides me a brief knowledge in new sectors which i could think was beyond my practise. In this the mystery opens with chemicals and their uses. Many compounds have been given specific purposes. Then a detailed knowledge about horse racing is given - how the bet is done, whats wrong and right in this. It also gives a good knowledge about Investment banks. How they provide loans to the money borrowers. Here the narrator has a very cool,calm and sweet role. He is very much friendly to person he knows. He also fell in love with his boss's wife but could not bring this thing into his life because he respect his boss. The story starts and end with a very surprise writing. It was nothing to be related to the main lesson of this novel. The main thing is I bought this novel because it was named as BANKER and I am intersted in banks. But sadly it is not related to banks or mathematics. Although it has brief discussions on this topic. At last I would say its a must read novel..
—Vikas Rathore
I totally agree with your comments and your ratings on this one. Still, an easy read and caught me up towards the end like so many if his books do.... Left me feeling like I was glad I finished it.....wasn't a waste of my time. :)
—Charlene C
Banker / Dick Francis ****Tim Ekaterin works in a merchant bank in London. A merchant bank is not a regular bank as we think of it but a financial institution which loans large sums of money to fledgling and established businesses. The story gives the reader a peek into the financial world, a “feel” for high finance and how loan decisions are made . The story is also centered around horse racing and the breeding of prime quarter horses destined to become grand champions . Of course, it is a murder mystery as well. I expect to be reading other stories by this author.
—Diana
