Too Big To Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin

I wasn’t going to review this book. Instead I’ve decided to write a post on self-censorship and discuss why I’m not going to review this book. In short I know some of the people in it and the book made me angry. Looking at something I do for my own personal record I feel it’s simply not sensible to put my feelings about what Sorkin has written into the public realm. Now you could infer a number of things from this decision – not least that what I think may be controversial. However, I would steer you away from that a little.

I am both disappointed with myself for deciding not to write up my thoughts – and to be clear I’ll happily discuss with you in person – but I also find myself stood somewhat detached wondering at what it is in me that has worked in such a way as to accept censorship as it’s been applied by myself. Is it fear that has driven me not to speak out about what I both know to be fact and then to voice my own opinion? I’m not sure. I’m definitely not one to be fearful of voicing my own opinion as anyone who knows me in person will tell you. I am driven to speak truth to power and yet here I am writing a post about why I’m not writing a post…and if that seems confusing try being in my head.

I have a sense that I have shied away from doing this because of two things:

1.       I am nervous that much of my response to the book is subjective – based on facts sure – but ultimately my own feeling about a very difficult subject and too easily ranted about. This doesn’t normally stop me but…

2.       I work at the heart of this industry, I know the instruments that crushed these banks intimately and make my living in amongst them. Can I really rant when, even if tangentially, I am connected so thoroughly with the problem at hand.

I have, in the past, written strong defences of this industry as well as having also been happy to outline what I think is wrong, corrupt or both. However, as far as Too Big To Fail is concerned I think I have to close my mouth, admit I’m in the middle of it, and recommend you read it – but remember that behind the neutral ‘objective’ tone of Sorkin’s epic lies the truth of cause, effect and delusion. In my opinion, Sorkin captures the facts of the matter but not the truth.