Kane & Abel by Jeffrey Archer
by Jenners • 10/05/2009 • 2 Stars, A Authors, Fiction, Historical, K Titles • 25 Comments
Kane & Abel
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Publishing Info: Fawcett Crest Books, 1979
Number of Pages: 477
Book Category: Fiction
Book Overview
Two men—William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski—are born on the same day in 1906. However, their births could not be more different. Abel is a penniless orphan who is adopted by a poor Polish woodcutter’s family after his mother is found dying by the road. Kane is born into a life of privilege—the only son of a powerful Boston banking millionaire.
The book chronicles the parallel lives of the two men. Abel endures hardship, tragedy and oppression but manages to immigrate to America and build a successful hotel chain. Kane takes full advantage of his birthright and receives the finest education money can buy and becomes the leader of one of America’s oldest and most powerful banks—yet suffers a series of tragedies of his own that make him wary of trusting people.
Although their lives run parallel as they establish their careers, there are moments when their lives intersect. Eventually, they confront each other in a business situation that ends up affecting both their lives forever and leading to a game of one-upsmanship that affects not only their individual businesses but the U.S. financial community. As the conflict unfolds between them for the bulk of their adult lives, both are stunned to find that the biggest price ends up being paid by those they love the most.
My Thoughts
I’m going to say this upfront: I didn’t like this book. I forced myself to finish reading it—hoping it might get better. It didn’t. Once I was 200 pages in, I felt I needed to just go ahead and slog on through to get credit for it as my K book in the A to Z Challenge. I had high hopes going in because I’d seen a few bloggers raving about Jeffrey Archer and his books—especially Kane & Abel. But whatever they might have seen in this book eluded me because it left me cold.
My first problem is with the writing style. I found the writing to be very choppy. The entire book is written in a kind of rat-a-tat-tat style that I found off-putting. The majority of the narration and dialogue simply exists to move the story along; there isn’t a lot of introspection, character development or extraneous description. I kept thinking: “This book seems so masculine. So abrupt and cold.” I don’t know if this is typical of Jeffrey Archer, but I don’t plan on finding out. Characters are introduced and then dispatched with cold abandon. Perhaps this is meant to mirror the characters themselves—both of whom are somewhat unlikable and ruthless—but I feel it doesn’t allow the reader to get a toehold into the story.
My next problem was with the amazing coincidences that keep bringing these two together. I guess I should have expected that from the very beginning when Archer chose to have them born on the same day. However, it began to annoy the heck out of me when they kept having run-ins that were really unbelievable. I mean, in all of the insanity of World War II, the fact that Abel (who mostly stays behind battle lines managing the food prep) ventures into “combat” exactly one time and manages to heroically save one person and it ends up being Kane was just too much for me. Another coincidence that drove me up the wall was when these men—who end up being the bitterest enemies bent on mutual destruction for almost the entire book—both have one person they love more than anyone in the world—their children. I’ll give you one guess who ends up falling in love. Yes….their children. Doesn’t that just beat all? I mean it isn’t like they live in a small town or anything where the choices are limited. No, they “find” each other in the podunk town of New York City. Oh, did I spoil the book for you? Well, you should have seen it coming a mile off—I know I did and I’m terrible at that kind of stuff.
But perhaps the biggest reason I didn’t like the book was that I didn’t like Kane or Abel. I just didn’t give a darn what happened to either one of them. Both are obsessed with money and power and have few “real” human relationships. So once you factor in unlikable characters, add in a writing style that didn’t grab me, and multiply by plot turns that seem unbelievably contrived, I ended up giving this book two stars (and that is being generous).
Final Recommendation
I don’t recommend this book at all. I didn’t enjoy it in the least. So, I guess I’ve defying Otto Preminger, who has a blurb on the back of my book that reads: “I defy anyone not to enjoy this book, which is one of the best novels I have ever read.” Well, Mr. Preminger: I didn’t enjoy it. What are you going to do about it? But I have to tell you, I seem to be alone in my assessment of this book from what I can tell. There are tons of 5 star reviews on Amazon, and the book jacket itself is just loaded with glowing praise. So, even though it wasn’t my type of book, it might still have merit for you. Anyone else out there read this book? Did you like it? If so, what did you like about it? I’m really curious because there are some great reviews of this book, and I didn’t get the appeal at all.
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Thanks Anonymous for sharing your thoughts! I'm glad to hear from someone who read it and didn't like it either. As for a sequel where Florentyna becomes President … I'm shuddering in horror!
: )
Hi There,
I just finished reading this book and I agree with ur feelings for the most part of review. Firstly, this is certainly not his best. Especially 100 or so pages in the middle of the book were extremely boring.. I have already read two of his other books and they were the best. Sons of fortunes (on similar lines) and Not a penny more…They were awesome.
I couldnt relate to these characters in any way. The story only concentrates on moving forward. Never Elaborating on the situation. For example, when Abel is not permitted to got to war because of his physical character, he joins a gym, develops his physique and gets into the war. Thats it. There are many instances of this nature. Never made interesting. Throughout the book there was only one instance in which I raised by eyebrow.
I am glad I finished it. And would definitely read a review before picking his next one.
Dont think about picking Prodigal daughter in ur challenge. Its the continuation of the same story. (Florentyna becoming the president of US. Ooops did I ruin the surprise for u..Never mind, you would anyways not pick it..)
Cheers
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post "No teme" in your blog with the link to you?
Nice review I must say though I have always loved Archer's books and was bit shocked to see your review. But we all have different taste and what suits ur reading needs might not satisfy mine.
I also agree that some of his books do have really unbelievable co incidences 
Nope, I never read this one. Or any other Archer book. Although I do have vague memories of a tv mini-series.
Very enjoyable review — I particularly enjoyed your defiance of Otto Preminger! You defier, you! I've never read Jeffrey Archer, and I know what you mean about coincidences. Sometimes they just seem like lazy plot devices to me. One reason I did not like Water For Elephants. (The elephant understands Polish! What a coincidence!)
Your blog has reminded me that sometimes it's just as fun to read about a book that someone hated as one they loved. Sometimes more. But I completely understand how hard it is to finish a book you dislike. In July one of my IRL book groups read The Secret Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon. Everyone hated it, but I had to finish it because I was leading the discussion. It was agony.
Outstanding review! I recently read part one of Jeffrey Archer's non-fiction Prison Diary and decided that I didn't need to read his fiction.
Thanks for reminding me of all the reasons I didn't like this book. It was one of the first books I ever reviewed (in a notebook, you know the 'old fashioned' way)and it was interesting to go back and re-read my thoughts which were very similar to yours.
I read this book the year it came out (I was a teenager) and I loved it. Keep in mind I was 16 and was tired or reading classics for my AP English class in school. So while I don't remember much about it, I do remember really enjoying it. I almost feel like reading it again to see if I would hate it now that I'm older and have developed more sophisticated taste or higher standards for what I read. On the other hand, your review convinces me that I should leave well enough alone! Thanks for an honest and thought-provoking review.
The title caught me. I hadnt heard of this one. Its always tough when a book doesnt reach the potential we hope for. I am always happy to read good honest reviews and appreciate this one.
It's tough for me to finish a book that I don't like. Kudos to you for getting through with it. I don't think I would probably like it either.
I think Jeffrey Archer is one of those authors you love or hate. I've often wondered if I've read the same book as everyone else did when reading reviews on Amazon.
I like your honesty. Not every book is a fit.
Well, there's one I can cross off my list…thanks!
Picked up Plum Island from the library – looking forward to starting it tonight.
I haven't read any of Jeffrey Archer's books. You did pretty well, to keep reading even though you didn't like it! I hardly ever finish a book I don't like.
I did read this book but it's been probably 25 or 30 years ago. I do recall enjoying it but I can't remember why. It may have something to do with the time period. Maybe it made sense in the '80s but doesn't now?
I agree with everyone else – I love you negative review. You didn't hide a thing.
haha awesome review–but i think i might read it anyway just to see how bad it is… or who knows? maybe i will like it… whatever. i really really liked your review. regardless of how negative it was–thanks for being honest! reading a negative review is a breath of fresh air sometimes. ever felt that way? (idk. maybe i'm just weird.)
Not only have I read this book multiple times and LOVED it, after recently moving, I discovered I owned 5 copies of it. Even though the review did reveal some of the writing weaknesses, it still is a great read and I highly recomment it. It also was made into a tv movie starring Sam Neil as William Kane.
Wow, now that was a review!!!!
I've seen this book and wanted to read it, I still do actually, and can't wait to hear what I think about it!!
I read this so long ago that I don't remember much about it except for the fact that I did enjoy it.
Years ago I read several of Archer's books (maybe even this one), until I came to one that was very disturbing (it involved snuff films, which I had never heard of before that), and that was the end of reading any Archer for me. I can't say I feel very deprived either!
I agree with Sandy, I enjoyed reading your negative review, especially the bit about Preminger!
Well, that is refreshing! Strange as it may sound, I like reading a good pummeling review. You're going to laugh, but when I first started reading about all the ridiculous coincidences, I said to myself "Oh what next? The kids fall in love?" Woooo! Spooky! That would have just sent me right over the edge. I have to give you credit for dragging yourself through to the finish line.
Well, that is disappointing since the concept sounds good.
That's one thing about challenges I don't like. I'd rather read books I want to read. On the other hand, it's sometimes good to get pushed. Too bad you couldn't have chosen on the basis of "K or sounds like K so Ca counts!"
oh, that's too funny. I haven't read the book but it has been recommended (by acquaintances such as the stylist who has the chair next to my stylist at the salon). I appreciate your review!