Journalist Paul Barry’s new book, *The Big Steal*, examines claims that steel entrepreneur Sanjeev Gupta misled investors, governments and communities through promises tied to a large-scale steel business. Multiple outlets describe the book as a detailed account that contrasts high-profile publicity and major property projects with financial and community fallout.
The reviews characterise the book as “forensic” and strongly critical, arguing that Gupta’s public image as a “steel saviour” does not match events that unfold around his companies. They also point to impacts that extend beyond corporate figures, including concerns about communities described as “sinking towns,” and the broader consequences for creditors and employees. While the outlets mainly align on the book’s central thesis and tone, they differ mainly in emphasis, such as how they foreground the scale of promises and assets versus the resulting harm.
Across the coverage, the common thread is that *The Big Steal* presents Barry’s investigation and interpretation of what he alleges went wrong, and why the story has broader public relevance. The articles frame the book as the author’s latest attempt to connect business communications with outcomes observed in the period that follows Gupta-related ventures.
