The book is an example of how a
woman manages to be successful in her endeavor to be all, so to say a career
woman, a home maker as well as the head honcho of a big pharmaceutical company.
Every management student (and otherwise as well) irrespective of gender must
read this book as it exposes us to almost the entire ice berg of managerial
problems and pressures that one can encounter in the real world.
It begins with Celia, trying to shape her career as a sales executive in the
pharmaceutical industry at a time when pharmaceutical sales were strictly
considered to be a male prerogative. She goes on to realize the true reason for
the failure of those in her profession. The ethical framework which has been
overlooked and also the difficulties faced by many women in getting the
attention of; as often is the case a male buyer.
Her sales ventures bring her in contact
with Dr. Jordan who is finding it difficult to come to grips with the fact that
not all diseases have a cure. Remember the setting is early to late fifties. He
reacts to her presence in a very aggravated fashion, venting all his
frustrations on the girl who has in her mind to bring about a revolution of
sorts.
This is followed by Celia
bringing the cure researched and developed by her pharmaceutical firm to the
rescue and relief of the despairing doctor and saves the patient from certain
death.
The story moves beautifully
through the proposal (surprise surprise), marriage and family planning, corporate
conflict, climbing up the corporate ladder, having an affair, getting stuck
with decisions, resigning, rejoining and the eventual crowning event that might
hurt her future.
The book ends quite unexpectedly
leaving the reader in a lurch. Yet a wonderful read and would surely recommend
it.