Shark - Carel van der Merwe

As a South African I was really proud to see a book of this quality coming out particularly in the business fiction genre.

Being a financial journalist, the story-line and characters rang true for me and I think that is the tribute to author Carel van der Merwe who, apart from being an author, is also a leading local businessman himself.

The book revolves around a South African businessman who runs a high-profile JSE listed IT company. The story takes us through the challenges of running a high profile business as well as the touchy topic of black economic empowerment (BEE) and the award of government tenders.

"Shark" unravels at a great pace and you'll find the story not only believable but captivating. There is a great African quote in it that sums up the story - "When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled" and this is exactly what happens to the various role players.

Character development itself was also good - you found yourself being wrapped up in the traumas faced by the protagonist without the drama going over the top.

Title: Shark
Author: Carel van der Merwe
ISBN: 978-1-4152-0076-6

Loot price: R160.00 (Eligible for free delivery on orders over R200)
You save: R35.00 (18%)

Rated the book a four out of five.

I really enjoyed "Shark" and I reckon that anybody with a passing interest in SA business and the stock market would really enjoy it.

Last year I called "Mushy Peas on Toast" as the best South African book of the year in terms of those that I read.... I suspect "Shark" is going to take that title this year...

... Well done Carel