During the Introduction and the opening chapters (on Mexico and Brazil), I was caught up in the incredible amount of knowledge that juggernauted its way through the pages. After an overview of what has happened in the world due to the central banks, author Nomi Prins than backtracked and provided a fascinating breakdown for various countries. Each chapter takes you in a different direction, but you begin to see how everything ties together and, of course, how one central bank’s actions affect the rest of the world.

I was not happy, however, when I reached the chapter on China. The book took on a different tone, right down to the chapter headings. Rather than comments on the book’s information, Ms. Prins chose to celebrate her China chapter using the Chinese Zodiac (Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Dragon, etc.) rather than comment on China’s actions. At times, it almost seemed as if China could do no wrong.

The word “collusion” is used to excess in this book. During a YouTube video of Ms. Prins, she explained that while optimistic people might use collaboration (working together to create something), she preferred collusion (secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others). It is difficult to believe that countries from around the world got together and deliberately devised a system while conspiring to deceive and cheat others, which is the message the book conveys. It is easier to believe that a system that was believed to be helpful was initiated, and once in place, it was allowed to continue (doing the same things over and over, expecting different results seems to apply here). Taking the factual aspects of the book, this chain of events can be supported.

While the overuse of the word collusion distracts, there is no doubt that the information provided is impressive. Featuring individual central banks in chapter allows readers to easily grasp the history and gain understanding (what was done, why it was done and at whose behest). My feelings were that this information is damning enough without using the accusation of collusion like a virtual club. The velvet glove approach to China didn’t gel with the rest of the book. As demonstrated in the other chapters, central bankers are going to do what they feel is best for their countries and the world as they believe it should evolve to become, no matter which central bank each represents. When you walk through mud, you’re bound to dirty your shoes. No country is immune.

This book provides an excellent accounting of what happened, allowing a deep introspection from different angles. Reasonings and subsequent decisions that may have appeared murky when the events were happening become clear. Ms. Prins backs up her writing with an extensive listing of footnotes, taking up approximately a third of the book. It would be difficult to pass by a book as heavily researched and detailed as this one. Four stars.