Non-Technical Book Review

Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer

In Kane and Abel Jeffrey Archer tells the story of two men, one Polish, an illegitimate son of a gypsy, the other rich and privileged from a wealthy Boston banking family. Abel Rosnovski survives countless setbacks, emigrates to the US and builds a thriving hotel chain. William Kane inherits a powerful bank and makes it even more successful. Their paths cross only once, but the meeting causes them to become bitter enemies, each determined to destroy the other. A very unusual story of two men who had nothing in common but the day of their birth - 18th April 1906... Wladek or Abel Rosnovski's childhood was a very tough one and he can be called a survivor. He found his father, the Baron, just to lose him forever to death in a few moments. He actually owned the castle but was forced to stay in jail and on the roadsides. He survived all through the cruelty of Germans and Russians because he was destined to be the man behind the phenomenal success of Baron Group of hotels. He ultimately succeeded in life by completely destroying William Kane. William Kane born in a very rich banker family gets all the materialistic comforts of life but he loses his father at a very tender age. Though he had all the privileges of being a rich heir he never inherited them, he always earned privileges. He was brilliant at studies and a very shrewd investor. His childhood was safer but he always showed lot of strength of character. He manages to earn the respect and confidence of the directors of his fathers company. His whole-hearted devotion to the only lady in his life and dedication towards his best friend through thick and thin is really inspiring and worthy of applaud. Both men go to fight for their nation in the w

It is a story which would always remain with the reader as it touches some chord within. Both men unknowingly saved each other's life and knowingly destroyed each other! In this story it gets difficult to appreciate just one man at any time, both are good, both are brilliant in their own ways, both are survivors, fighters and both are shrewd. In their relentless battle, both men know that there can be only one victor and one vanquished. The confrontation between these two men, both striving for power and success, will make reading Kane and Abel extremely absorbing. Across three generations and around a rapidly changing world, their war rages unchecked, for the love of a dream, the loss of an empire, and the lure of a fortune. The book spans the entire spectrum of human emotions. But strangely enough, other forces are working against the two men, their own children who fall in love with each other and ultimately marry. In the end, both of these strong, willful, successful men will learn from their children what hard headed, stubborn, men they had become.

This fascinating novel shows that hatred can kill. It can kill the spirit you once so proudly had. It can kill the love you had for others. It can kill the love that others had for you. And it can kill all logical instincts. Feuding for a lifetime can leave some bitter memories and even some regrets. Jeffery Archers Kane & Abel is a totally gripping book and very fast paced. Archers this book is capable of getting one lost in its world. The book follows the story of two men who had nothing in common except only one thing. They were born on the same day on opposite sides of the world, and their paths destined to cross in the ruthless struggle to build a fortune.

The rags to riches theme that figures prominently in this book is one that Jeffrey Archer specializes in. And mix it together with the competition element in Kane and Abel, and it is the framework for a great story. Kane and Abel is a real page turner, very exciting and full of interesting twists and turns. A clever book! One is fascinated by Archer's storytelling and the vivid characters he portrays. We root for Abel and take him to our heart. We are fascinated with William and wish only the best for him. The author has made each of his main characters so endearing that the reader is torn and loyalties falter. This type of book is good for readers who are into suspense, drama, intrigue and romance. By the end of this story, you feel drawn to Abel or Kane, wanting each man to snap out of their stubbornness to see what is so obvious. Their lives are enriching and heartbreaking. We can easily imagine the life in the early 1900s, can see how ruthless and cutthroat the business world is, and especially see the impact of friendship and family, through this tale.