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This review is from: Where Angels
Prey (Paperback)
Angels Prey is a compelling story
which spans from the poorest regions of India to the most affluent
international financiers.
Beginning
The impoverished characters who
exist in a very corrupt area and must pay exorbitant usury to borrow money for
needed expenses. One woman couldn't get her daughter released from the hospital
without borrowing funds at 40% interest. This on top of other needed loans to support
her family and repair her roof.
Ultimately when she couldn't repay
her loans in a timely manner she was so backed into a corner both financially
and socially that she committed suicide to try to save her daughters from
ruination by corrupt money lenders.
She was unfortunately not unique. Many such suicides occurred across the poorest districts and gained much international attention.
She was unfortunately not unique. Many such suicides occurred across the poorest districts and gained much international attention.
Middle
Wealthy financial institutions sold
a bill of goods in developed nations such as Singapore and the US of micro
financing to impoverished people who would then supposedly own shares in their
company. Instead the owners and investors gained ill-gotten wealth while the
poor borrowers ended up behind the eight ball.
End
The reporters and district manager
who courageously blew the lid off the scandal made the story come alive. The
resulting sanctions and arrests were only partially effective in curbing the
criminal victimization of India's poor as the MFI owners simply reinvented
their businesses and went forth again to profit from the unfortunate.
The tale was riveting and well written. I would suggest a glossary of unfamiliar terms for the western reader.
The tale was riveting and well written. I would suggest a glossary of unfamiliar terms for the western reader.
The author wrote from the first person perspective of each central character. This was very helpful in gaining understanding of their experience.
I found even the majority of the "evil" characters relatable in their extenuating circumstances.
Bravo. Perhaps there will be a sequel with a better outcome for the downtrodden
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