Title: Adults in the Room: My Battle with Europe’s Deep Establishment
Author: Yanis Varoufakis
First published May 4, 2017
560 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.32
Overview
Get ready for a rollercoaster of chaos, comedy and crime in Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A for Aunties.
When a blind date gone wrong ends in accidental murder, Meddelin Chan’s mother calls on her four meddling aunties to help dispose of the body. But things quickly spiral out of control when the corpse ends up in a cake cooler headed for a billionaire wedding on the California coastline.
With the biggest job of their family wedding business on the line, the aunties will stop at nothing to ensure that the wedding goes off without a hitch, even if that means hiding a dead body. But when Meddy’s ex-boyfriend unexpectedly shows up, things take a turn for the worse.
Can they pull off the perfect wedding, rekindle an old flame, and escape murder charges all in one weekend? Find out in this hilarious and heartwarming tale of family, love, and the lengths we will go to for those we care about.
About the Author
Ioannis Varoufakis, also known as Yanis, is an economist and politician with Greek-Australian roots. He transitioned from academia to politics and established a left-wing political party called MeRA25 in 2018, where he currently holds the position of Secretary-General.
Previously, Varoufakis was a member of Syriza and served as the Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras from January to July 2015.
Editoral Review
“Adults in the Room: My Battle with Europe’s Deep Establishment” by Yanis Varoufakis is a gripping memoir that illuminates the inner workings of European politics, economics and finance through the eyes of a leading economist, who served as Greece’s finance minister during the chaotic years of 2015-2016. Varoufakis is a controversial figure, known for his sharp intellect, outspoken views and unorthodox style, which have earned him both admirers and critics internationally.
The book is a blend of personal anecdotes, political analysis, economic theory and policy proposals, written in an engaging and accessible style that captures the complexity and urgency of the challenges facing Greece and Europe at large. Varoufakis vividly describes the power struggles, betrayals, negotiations and intrigues that took place behind closed doors in Brussels, Berlin and Athens, as the Greek debt crisis unfolded, threatening the stability of the Eurozone and the future of democracy in Europe.
The main characters in the book include Varoufakis himself, as well as his counterparts in the Troika (the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund) and the Greek government, such as Alexis Tsipras, Yanis Dragasakis, Euclid Tsakalotos and Euclid Tsakalotos. The setting is primarily Greece, but also includes other European capitals and institutions, as well as the global financial markets.
The conflicts in the book are numerous and complex, ranging from the clash of ideologies between neoliberalism and Keynesianism, to the clash of interests between creditor and debtor nations, to the clash of personalities between Varoufakis and his adversaries. The book also touches on broader themes, such as democracy, sovereignty, social justice, human rights and solidarity, that resonate beyond the Greek context.
One of the strengths of the book is Varoufakis’ ability to explain complex economic concepts and policies in a clear and engaging way, without oversimplifying or losing sight of their real-world implications. He also exposes the flaws and biases of the mainstream media, academic experts and political elites, who often shape public opinion and policy without being accountable or transparent.
Another strength of the book is Varoufakis’ honesty and self-reflection, as he acknowledges his own mistakes, doubts and fears, while also defending his principles, ideas and actions. He reveals his personal and professional struggles, from his childhood in Greece to his academic career in Australia, to his activism in Europe and beyond, with candor and humor.
One of the weaknesses of the book, however, is its occasional repetition, as Varoufakis revisits certain arguments or anecdotes without adding much new information or insight. Another weakness is its occasional use of jargon or technical terms, which may be confusing or alienating to some readers.
Overall, “Adults in the Room” is a thought-provoking and inspiring book, that challenges conventional wisdom and offers alternative visions for a more democratic, sustainable and humane future in Europe and beyond. It is a must-read for anyone interested in economics, politics, history or philosophy, and especially for anyone who cares about the fate of democracy in our times.
It is not a partisan polemic, but a nuanced and nuanced account of a complex and fluid situation. In conclusion, I highly recommend “Adults in the Room” to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and understanding of the current state of the European Union and the challenges facing its member states.
The book is a timely and timeless reminder that democracy is not a given, but a constant struggle, that requires courage, creativity and solidarity from all of us. I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its originality, relevance, depth and humanity.”
