There's a well judged hysteria underpinning the entirety of “The Trading Game” by Gary Stevenson. A memoir of a former Citibank trader, Stevenson writes of his exploits in making his way from East London working class to becoming one of the bank's most profitable global markets traders at a time of financial turmoil between 2008-2012.

Apart from some uneven sections, the overall pacing of the book is excellent- having set the scene with conflict (leaving us wondering right from the very beginning as to exactly what sort of trouble the author has landed himself) Stevenson doesn't dwell overly long on his origins and gets right to it with a rather thrilling account of winning a competition run by the bank, with the prize being a much sought after internship as a trader.

If you are thinking that a story involving FX swap trading sounds dull, it is anything but. Stevenson has a knack for explaining some of the aspects of trading in accessible language. It also helps to liven things that he is surrounded by a bunch of absolute characters in the form of his fellow traders, ranging from the colourfully eccentric to the downright crazy. The sheer amount of money sloshing around is staggering and it's not long until Stevenson seemingly becomes addicted to the thrill and risk of trading. What he also apparently seems to identify relatively early on is an inability to enjoy the proceeds of his work, making the whole exercise about the goal of hitting endless numbers, without obvious benefit. From there, the downward spiral is inevitable- and as he becomes more and more disillusioned and depressed, he finds himself in a trap with no obvious way out.

I've read a couple of descriptions of the book as "true crime" and I have to say, I am not seeing that angle at all. Without giving anything away by way of spoilers, Stevenson is very careful not to do anything illegal in his trading and so it's rather misleading to characterise the story in that way. There is however a definite confessional aspect- and at times, an unsavoury feeling- in revealing so much about the shady ethical and moral dilemmas of a few individuals getting richer and richer at the expense of the masses. Stevenson is bluntly honest in showing us how he was complicit in that system. He's not always likable but he is a talented writer and there are some laugh out loud funny aspects in his tale. I would have liked a bit more insight into what came after and some of the work he has done on economic inequality since leaving the bank but I also get that this wasn't necessarily in keeping with the main story.

This is a very thought provoking and highly entertaining read- recommended with 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to Penguin Press UK and Netgalley for an advance reading copy in exchange of an honest review.

Gary Stevenson has written an absolutely fascinating book, and in doing so, he has done something I had previously thought would have been impossible, he has made me actually like a banker! I think that Irvine Welsh sums up this book perfectly when he describes it as, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street with a moral compass'.
Gary did not have the start in life which one would usually associate with bankers, going to comprehensive school (after being asked to leave his grammar school for being in possession of drugs). He worked extremely hard with a paper round for the princely sum of £12 per week and then secured a place at the prestigious London School of Economics. He thrived and by winning a card game, gained an internship at Citibank and didn’t look back.
Gary soon realised that he knew a way to make money on the markets that nobody else seemed to be doing; by betting against the economy, that the poor would become even poorer.
What makes this such a great book is Gary’s honesty about the good times and the bad, his ability to explain what are very complex matters in easy to understand language and at the same time make it so very interesting.
A really excellent book that should be read by all.
It is prescient timing with Citibank having announced 20,000 redundancies this week.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A story about bakers, trading and the stock exchange, greed, high living and despair.

I am not sure if the book is about how to trade in the city banks or if it supposed to be about Gary. It stated from his earliest childhood right trough to his success and demise. I felt there was too much information about trading and the greed of the bakers and brokers to make this enjoyable reading. Did manage to hold on to the end though.

Not a book for me sorry.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

A brilliant read about an extremely talented man who dare I say it took on the biggest bank and won. This was a real page turner capturing the highs and lows of an exciting career as a trader. A must read for anyone interested in finance or the city. Whilst there is sufficient jargon Gary provides explanations. It didn't deter my enjoyment.
The book covers his childhood and university life at L.S.E where he wins a competition gaining him entry into one of the leading banks. From the moment he arrives all bets are off as we are taken on a whirlwind journey through multi million pound deals to despair when he wishes to leave. What a superb story delivered in an often humorous style.I wasn't ready for it to end.
A must read for today
Thank you NetGalley for this early copy