Kane & Abel, the novel which catapulted Jeffrey Archer to fame, is without doubt a classic.A must read for those who have not done already.The book spans an entire spectrum of human traits that includes LOVE, PASSION, HATRED, GREED etc.
The story starts off with the two main protagonists William Kane & Abel Rosnovski being born on the same day across different sides of the globe.Their childhood is very clearly documented with Abel’s childhood being especially gut wrenching.In very crisp words, Archer makes us go to the time of the 1st World war & we start to move with Abel on his journey from Eastern Europe & into America.Pure raw guts carries him thru the Gaols of The German Labour Camps & into a ship bound for the US of A.
In classic Archer style, their paths meet & for a very inconsequential reason, a misunderstanding takes place for them to start loathing each other.They continue their separate ways with a one point agenda to bring down the other to his knees.
The style in which Archer takes the story ahead through the minefields of Money & Politics is very commendable.Putting in real life politicos of the time gives the story the authenticity. The story then peters down to the second generation where it loses its flow somewhat.
In a typical Archer ending, the misunderstanding is sorted out & there is enough scope for Archer to take the story ahead in his next sequel ’’ The Prodigal Daughter’’.
The best part of the book is that like vintage wine, this book just keeps getting better with multiple reads.