Finally, summer has arrived – the time for a well-deserved break as well as some leisurely reading. The editorial team and publisher of finews have put together their selection of book recommendations.
The summer recommendations shared by the finews staff are as diverse as the financial industry: art, crime novels and curiosities are included, as well as titles that encourage reflection on our past and future. These books are an invitation to immerse yourself in different lives and worlds.
Dominik Buholzer, Editor-in-chief, finews.ch und finews.com
«Zeno's Conscience» by Italo Svevo
What the book is about:
The psychoanalyst Dr. S. publishes the autobiography of Zeno Cosini – partly out of revenge because Zeno discontinued his treatment with him, and partly to persuade him to resume therapy. The 57-year-old Zeno began writing his life story on the doctor's advice. He is supposed to bring memories and dreams to light.
His story starts with smoking, which Zeno Cosini has wanted to give up for ages, and leads to his wife. He married her only because her two sisters had rejected him. And the best part: he becomes happy with her.
Why I recommend this book:
Italo Svevo was first a banker, and then an entrepreneur. But above all, he is a great writer who would have given up without the encouragement of Irish novelist James Joyce. «Zeno's Conscience» is rightly considered a classic of Italian literature. First, the novel may seem very light and almost chatty in style. Yet, the story has great depth. It is a magnificent confession and simply an enjoyable read.
Roger Sandmeier, Chief Operating Officer, finews.ch
«Dem Leben entfremdet» by Arno Gruen
What the book is about:
Arno Gruen's work «The Betrayal of the Self» takes us on a profound journey through the depths of human alienation in our modern society. With keen psychological insight, he paints a picture of how individuals distance themselves from their inner truth and prioritize societal norms over their needs and feelings.
This alienation often stems from childhood, where adaptation and obedience are prioritized over authentic experience and expression. Gruen illustrates how these dynamics can develop into inner conflicts, psychological disorders, and destructive behavior.
The consequences of this alienation, however, extend far beyond the individual. They manifest in collective violence, xenophobia and a general loss of empathy in society.
Why I recommend this book:
I recommend «The Betrayal of the Self» because Arno Gruen presents a profound and enlightening examination of the human psyche and society. The book offers valuable insights into the causes of mental suffering and social violence and encourages reflection on one's behavior and beliefs.
It encourages living more authentically and fostering empathetic relationships, improving personal well-being and societal coexistence.
Richard Otsuki, Chief Editor, finews.asia
«Orwell on Truth by George Orwell
What the book is about:
The book is a collection of excerpts from George Orwell's work, including novels, essays, and opinion pieces, focusing on the theme of truth. Orwell examines various aspects of this theme, particularly in relation to the media, including the dishonesty of the press, the biased writing of journalists and the prejudiced perceptions of readers.
His views are influenced by personal experiences in the Spanish Civil War, World War II and totalitarianism in the 20th century.
Why I recommend this book:
Compared to any other time in history, we are now likely at the peak of the age of misinformation. Beyond the integrity of the media and fake news, new technologies like artificial intelligence and social media have enabled the mass production and dissemination of deepfakes. These deepfakes pose a significant threat to the collective understanding of objective truth.
Orwell's book also examines the dangers that arise when readers do not exercise caution – a problem that could apply to the modern doomscrolling internet user. In one excerpt, he reviews a case where a radio station broadcasts a fictional piece about an alien invasion in the US. Although it was not intended to deceive, the format appeared to many as a news broadcast. How did the listeners react? Pick up the book to find out.
Simone Töllner, Editor-in-chief, finews.art
What the book is about:
Fabio Lanz takes his readers into the fascinating yet grim world of Zurich's art scene. Sarah Conti’s second case leads the investigator into its depths. After the opening of an exhibition on North Korean dissident art, the body of a woman is discovered in the new Chipperfield building of the Zurich Art Museum.
The murder weapon: a provocative piece of art. The victim: a sharp-tongued culture journalist who made more enemies than friends through her work. The crime: an almost artistically staged execution. The deeper Sarah Conti delves into the labyrinth of possible perpetrators, the more confusing the clues become.
Supported by the fearless detective Lara, she gradually uncovers the dark dealings and secret connections hidden behind the glittering facade of the art world. Fabio Lanz masterfully brings the twists and turns of Zurich’s art world to life, making it exciting and vivid. Particularly impressive is how the characters love, suffer, and debate, giving them a special vibrancy.
Why I recommend this book:
The book is the perfect read for relaxing days at the beach, by the pool, or in a deck chair at home. Once you start reading, you’ll hardly want to put it down. The gripping story offers not only thrills and steadily increasing tension but also profound and genuine insights into the dubious world of art.
Anyone familiar with the Zurich Art Museum will immediately envision the setting and become even more immersed in the story. Lanz avoids the often-overused technique of cliffhangers, instead presenting a consistently captivating narrative with intellectual wit and strong female characters who navigate their paths confidently and decisively.
Fabio Lanz, behind whose pseudonym lies none other than the former head of the «Neue Zürcher Zeitung» arts section Martin Meyer, has created a crime novel that not only excites art fans but anyone who enjoys thrilling and intelligent mysteries.
Florian Schwab, Publishing Director, finews.ch and finews.com
«Erinnerungen aus meinem Leben» by Felix Somary
What the book is about:
The autobiography describes the intense life of banker and diplomat Felix Somary. Born in Vienna in 1881, he became not only a keen observer of world politics but also an active participant amidst the disasters of the first half of the 20th century.
At the age of 27, while working for the Anglo-Bank in Vienna, he independently took the initiative to reduce the mistrust between Germany and England. He did this by seeking contact with the political elites of both countries and initiating a treaty aimed at resolving key disputes. Just weeks before the planned signing of the agreement in 1914, the assassination of Austrian heir Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo nullified his efforts and triggered World War I.
After the war, Somary emigrated to Switzerland. He joined the former private bank Blankart & Cie. Under adventurous circumstances, he secured the wealth of the Austrian branch of the Rothschild family during the post-war turmoil. In 1932, he became a Swiss citizen. He spent World War II as the Swiss envoy in Washington.
Somary was distinguished by a sharp intellect and an instinctive grasp of world politics. Or, as Swiss diplomat Carl Jacob Burkhardt put it in October 1922, «he belongs to the type who foresees crises.»
Why I recommend the book:
A banker as a world political analyst and top-class diplomat – that alone would be a good reason to read this book. Additionally, it is excellently written, engaging and rich in anecdotes. The already fascinating historical events and experiences are skillfully interwoven with financial and other political insights, some of which seem highly relevant today. After all, we are once again living in an era of increasing crises.
The author's keen reflections on his profession are both interesting and occasionally amusing. For example, in 1908, Felix Somary quit his banking job to embark on a peace mission between England and Germany: «to him (his boss at the Anglo-Bank in Vienna) the great merchant was the most interesting and honorable profession on earth, an absolute end in itself and ultimate goal for anyone who had worked their way up to such a position. The idea of conducting financial business merely to maintain independence for other tasks seemed sacrilegious to him.»
Ivan Schulheiss, Chief Commercial Officer, finews.ch and finews.asia
«Die sieben Monde des Maali Almeida» by Shehan Karunatilaka
What the book is about:
In the turbulent streets of Colombo in the 1990s, Maali Almeida, a flamboyant war photographer and gambler, awakens in the afterlife. Surrounded by ghosts and demons, he has only seven days to find out who killed him and where he hid the highly sensitive photos that are set to shake Sri Lanka. Between heaven and hell, Maali experiences an adventurous mystery that will influence not only his fate but also that of his beloved homeland.
Why I recommend this book:
This year’s summer travel plans take my family and me to Sri Lanka, a country I previously knew only from tea packages, YouTube videos and reports about the civil war. However, these sources are incomplete and barely capture the true essence of the country.
That's why I recommend the work of Shehan Karunatilaka, an award-winning voice of Sri Lanka. With his intelligent and impressive dialogues, he brings the country's history and culture to life. His book offers a profound and fascinating introduction to Sri Lanka, far beyond typical travel guides. A literary «amuse-bouche» for anyone who wants to understand the country.
Dina Holz, Editor, finews.ch
«Die spürst du nicht» by Daniel Glattauer
What the book is about:
Two wealthy Austrian families plan to spend a vacation together in Tuscany. 14-year-old Sophie Luise has invited her school friend Aayana, who fled Somalia with her family and has been living in Austria for some time. However, the relaxation eagerly anticipated by the adults in the spacious villa is disrupted on the first evening by a major catastrophe with Aayana at the center of it.
The incident quickly reaches the public and ignites social and political debates, as Sophie's mother is a well-known Green politician and a potential future Minister of Environment. This raises many questions: What is a human life worth? Is every life equally valuable? And where is the line between self-responsibility and self-protection?
Why I recommend this book:
«Die spürst du nicht» is the perfect summer read for a hot but leisurely day at the beach, by the pool, or simply at home on your sunny terrace. The book not only offers thrilling entertainment but also profound insights into the human psyche and the dark depths that lurk behind everyday facades.
The novel explores themes such as political ethics, marital crises, infidelity and a daughter's descent into drug addiction through an online acquaintance, and it delves deeply into the issue of refugees. Glattauer's book focuses on people who otherwise have no voice and puts so-called «do-gooders» in the spotlight.
The story deeply moved and touched me. As Daniel Glattauer himself puts it: «it's about people we don't want to know about because we don't feel them.»
Andrew Isbester, Editor-at-large,finews.asia
«Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere» by Jan Morris
What the book is about:
Jan Morris pays tribute to Trieste by intertwining intimate personal reflections with history. Starting from her time stationed there as a soldier at the end of World War II, she traces the roots of the city, which was created almost from nothing by Habsburg bureaucracy as a port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to its subsequent identity search in the immediate post-war period.
Morris also highlights Trieste’s revival as a trade hub for the former Yugoslav republics after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and concludes with the broader renewal of the city as a regional capital, a scientific center, and a somewhat uneasy tourist destination.
Why I recommend this book:
This book was a gift from a close friend, and I recommend it because it shows how all cities go through various stages of development, even downturns, as they confront changes brought about by history and politics.
The book also delves into the geopolitical fractures and fissures that the West still faces today, as Trieste lies on the fault line of modern Europe, offering a fascinating picture of how we have reached our current social and political state – albeit somewhat unintentionally.
Peter Keller, Wine Editor, finews.ch
What the book is about:
The fourth crime case of Franco-German Commissioner Marie Mercier is set in the enchanting atmosphere of the Périgord region. The landscape is a gourmet paradise and a significant wine-growing area. It's summer in the village of Saint-André and there's a festive mood as the traditional Félibrée festival approaches. But the merriment is short-lived.
The daughter of the ambitious winemaker Jeanne Laroussine, who is showcasing her wines at the event, suddenly disappears. Shortly afterward, a second girl goes missing. To make matters worse, a respected citizen, who held an important position at the Félibrée, is found murdered. Marie Mercier and her colleague Richard Martin face several mysteries and uncover a macabre game of deception during their investigation.
Why I recommend this book:
Summer is the perfect time for crime novels. I particularly enjoy books set in attractive wine regions that celebrate the joys of eating, and cooking. This is exactly what this book offers. In the Périgord, a variety of red, white and sweet wines are produced in the style of the famous Bordeaux, though they remain a well-kept secret and are still affordable.
The region in southwestern France is also a culinary hotspot, not just because of the black truffles. Julie Dubois's books often explore these themes as well. For instance, the charming, slightly eccentric Commissioner Marie’s great-aunt Léonie is a gifted cook. Additionally, the books always feature intriguing crime cases and well-told stories. This is true for «Traubenfest» as well.
Matisse Chik, Editor, finews.ch
«Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI» by Ethan Mollick
What the book is about:
Written by a Wharton professor renowned for his expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation, this «New York Times» bestseller delves deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as generative AI, in our personal and professional lives.
While Ethan Mollick acknowledges the inevitable nature of AI intersecting with all our jobs, he consistently emphasizes the concept of «co-intelligence,» where AI acts as a collaborative partner in various roles – employee, tutor and coach.
Throughout the book, the author provides numerous practical examples supported by research. He demonstrates how AI can enhance human creativity, innovation and productivity. Think of this book as a user manual detailing generative AI and how we can navigate ethical considerations to maximize its potential.
Why I recommend this book:
From AI evangelists to doomsayers, there is undoubtedly plenty of noise and speculation surrounding AI. However, the ethos of the author, illustrated by his esteemed status and the numerous supporting research references he includes, is why I recommend this book to passionate innovators, tech enthusiasts or anyone in the business world interested in AI.
Amidst the overwhelming opposing viewpoints, Mollick employs a comprehensive and balanced approach regarding the immense potential and ethical considerations of AI, helping readers navigate the complexity of the technology with a clear and informed perspective.
Claude Baumann, Founder, finews.ch and finews.asia
«Unterwerfung» by Michel Houellebecq
What the book is about:
The story is set in France in the year 2022. A Muslim politician gains increasing support as the Socialist Party and the Conservatives ally help him prevent the National Front under Marine Le Pen from seizing power. The Muslim politician becomes president, changes the constitution and introduces Sharia law, patriarchy and polygamy.
At the center of the book is François, a cynical literature professor who follows these developments with great nonchalance but also meticulous attention. Some readers might see traits of Michel Houellebecq in this character. In the new everyday life of France, François initially loses his job.
However, as the university eventually lacks competent scholars, he is offered the chance to return to his profession. He would have to convert to Islam and promote an unequal, authoritarian-patriarchal, tradition and religion-based society. The book ends with François' visions of what would happen if he accepted this offer: he benefits from the Islamization of France, earns much more than before and enjoys the new subservience of underage playmates.
Why I recommend this book:
Michel Houellebecq is, for me, one of the best writers of our time. With this 2015 novel, he has eerily anticipated certain developments, not only in France but around the world.
Despite the openness and tolerance we are taught every day, this book reveals how alien some foreign cultures still are to us and how important it is to remain true to our Western and enlightened values and virtues. Houellebecq serves us a heavy fare with this book, but he convinces us with his unmistakable storytelling and provides a unique reading experience.
Ana Micic, Head of Digital Marketing, finews.ch and finews.com
«Heile dich selbst» by Anthony William
What the book is about:
A balanced metabolism and an intact microbiome are the foundation for stable health. Even for seemingly chronic conditions like migraines, dizziness, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis, healing becomes possible when we rid the body of toxins and parasites and recharge it with potent nutrients.
Anthony William's medical detox program addresses this exact point: it provides individual strategies tailored to various detox types. Common to all are special fruits and vegetables with therapeutic effects, as well as smart vitamin and supplement strategies that address the root causes rather than the symptoms.
Why I recommend this book:
From stress at work to unhealthy eating habits, it doesn’t hurt to question ourselves from time to time. Anthony William's «Cleanse to Heal» is a great book to learn about nutrition and illnesses. Most importantly, it is a helpful guide for changing our diet.
Peter Kuster, Deputiy Editor-in-chief, finews.ch
«Weltreise eines Kapitalisten» by Rainer Zitelmann
What the book is about:
The German historian and sociologist Rainer Zitelmann visited 30 countries on four continents over 20 months. In his travel book, he captures the impressions from his encounters and hundreds of conversations with economists, entrepreneurs, politicians and citizens.
The libertarian, who was formerly an avowed Maoist and a faithful listener of «Radio Tirana», provides a nuanced picture of the value that freedom, property and market enjoyed in these societies. He sketches historical backgrounds, draws on statistics and ventures a look into the future.
Why I recommend this book:
The fact that capitalism, ideally characterized by freedom, property and markets, creates prosperity is not a thesis but a repeatedly confirmed historical fact. Unfortunately, this realization is often suppressed – either because capitalism lacks ideals or because its results are not always morally and aesthetically convincing. Zitelmann succeeds in an entertaining and comprehensible way, through his «field studies», in exploring the sources of poverty and wealth.
An impressive example is Vietnam, which in 1990 was considered the poorest country in the world. Instead of blaming the US or China (as history might suggest), the leadership took responsibility for the disaster and acted. Today, Vietnam is still communist and thus without political freedom, but very capitalistic and, as a result, ranks much higher on international prosperity lists.
«Libertarians suffer from being too theory-heavy and conveying too few emotions,» Zitelmann recently remarked during a presentation of his book in Hamburg. His work provides a counterbalance to this — a perfect read for warm summer days and reflecting on whom we ultimately owe our ability to afford vacations.
