Okay taking a break from fiction
writing – just for a day though. I have to put up this book review, and there
is one more which will follow in a few days. I received The Sales Room a few days back. Though the title sounded like some
hardcore business book – which gives you an idea of numbers or stats or pie
charts (as most of us – who work in such organizations- relate all of these
with the word SALES), the synopsis was interesting. Now that I am done with it,
let’s see how this Sales Room is.
The Story
Rajesh Iyer, a young sales
professional who drops out mid-way from a US business school. He returns to his
old work place – Oregon Software Technologies – which previously was a non
descriptive software start-up. This time he is back at a lesser salary but to a
new posh workplace. During his new stint he discovers the previously
enthusiastic and dynamic work environment has turned into days laced with swears,
screams, grunts et all. Rajesh now can
either start buttering the CEO Venky (read licking @$$) and become a part of
the sham or quit. He encounters various funny characters and many events take
place during the course of his stint.
My Thoughts
If you are a part of a sales
organization (like me) you will get the below the belt punches very easily.
This satire is for all of those people who were, are or might be in the world
of sales and clients. This makes you laugh and sometimes makes you relate your
work place to the situations or experiences you may say. Now I have not been a
part of a startup- so I don’t know what you feel like being there, but I am
sure it won’t be very different! I had a wide grin as I read through.
The Sales Room throws an honest
and ironic light at the ethics of management in a startup. Actually I should
mention the Indian start – up. This ‘juggad’
attitude is in the breaths of Indians and almost every organization derives
some benefit from it!
The narrative is very fluid and
easy, and the puns are in your face. It has a good amount of profanity [which
again you get used to, or rather is normal in modern day work place]. Actually
sometimes I felt, if this was n the backdrop of an advertising firm then it
could have a swear word twice in every sentence!!! But sometimes it gets too
much for a female reader and didn’t get down too well for me.
I like how the characters are built, but I like
how the author has offered a new experience and twists in each chapter. The story
line takes you from Bangalore, the IT hub, to Delhi and you come across various
funny characters.
About The Author
R.T. Manu Ramesh, is a techie himself
working for a MNC in San Jose California. This is his maiden novel. He has been
part of building up a startup himself so I have no doubt why he could deliver
such a satire. You can read more about
him at his website.
My Rating – I’ll give it a 3.5. It’s hilarious and while you read
you can so relate to the situations.
Book – The Sales Room
Author – R. T. Manu Ramesh
Genre – Humor
Publisher –
Published in –
ISBN 13 –
ISBN 10 –
Pages – 196
Price – INR 145
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This book was sent by the author. These are entirely my own views and I try not to be biased while reviewing.
Linking this post as my day 20 post for the UBC July 2014.
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