Outcast

LoveReading Says

Available in Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.

With some dramatised moments but based on diaries, interviews, press cuttings and corporate archives, Outcast by Bernard Ginns is the story of how Andrew Cook fought to save his family manufacturing firm from a hostile takeover in the late 90s. 

From the synopsis I suspected, and turned out to be right, that I would be rooting for the underdog Andrew Cook as he faces the takeover bid from Triplex Lloyd. Despite this however, Cook isn’t transformed into a rarefied hero, his troubles, slip ups and flaws are shown throughout the retelling. Cook’s more common sense or straightforward approach to running a business is held in contrast to the bureaucracy and niceties of the City and investors and contributes to a number of the disputes that arise. 

I found this an insightful look into the world of business, and the delicate dance of negotiating running a successful business, appeasing shareholders and the impact of the media. Outcast is an interesting look behind the scenes of the business world, and the world of manufacturing at that time.

Written by a former business editor of the Yorkshire Post, Ginns has put together a narrative that even those not familiar with this side of business can find clear and compelling. Ginns also does well to reflect the larger political climate for change in the background of the narrative, providing historical context when needed but without being obtrusive.

The power of the media is something I don’t think can be lost on today’s readership and the complicated nature of journalism and its ability to reinforce or undermine is made clear throughout. In all, the twists and turns of corporate battles are shared in an enlightening and entertaining narrative.

Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador

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