Boomerang

Boomerang by Michael Lewis is a brilliantly insightful and darkly humorous exploration of Europe’s economic meltdown. In this riveting and timely read, Lewis travels across the continent, uncovering the absurdities and shocking realities of financial systems gone haywire. From the crumbling infrastructure of Greece to the peculiar tax avoidance strategies of hairdressers, each chapter paints a vivid and often hilarious picture of a region in chaos.

In Greece, Lewis details how the national rail system is so inefficient that it would be cheaper to transport all passengers by taxi. Meanwhile, ordinary Icelanders buy luxury cars only to see them mysteriously explode, a scheme to claim insurance money. Over in Ireland, Lewis observes as the entire country seemed to be put up for sale, with property prices plummeting to astonishing lows. As for Germany, the narrative uncovers the incredulity of a disciplined nation expecting others to follow their fiscally responsible ways, only to find that the rest of the world plays by very different rules.

Michael Lewis expertly reveals the inherently flawed and often bizarre behaviours of nations that contributed to, and continue to exacerbate, the global financial crises. His storytelling takes readers behind the headlines and into the heart of the drama, mixing thorough research with sharp wit and engaging anecdotes.

This laugh-out-loud and eye-opening book offers a no-holds-barred look at the fallout from economic greed and incompetence. With trademark humour and intelligence, Lewis exposes the madness lurking beneath the surface of modern finance.

Boomerang has received widespread acclaim:

"Desperately funny" - Daily Telegraph

"Top form" - Spectator

"Fascinating" - The New York Times

"Hilarious" - Irish Independent Review