Date of Reading: 20/02/22
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Publisher: Pan McMillan
Publication Date: March 13, 2004
Rating: 3/5
About the book:
Born on the same day near the turn of the century on opposite sides of the world, both men are brought together by fate and the quest of a dream. These two men -- ambitious, powerful, ruthless -- are locked in a relentless struggle to build an empire, fuelled by their all-consuming hatred. Over 60 years and three generations, through war, marriage, fortune, and disaster, Kane and Abel battle for the success and triumph that only one man can have.
Review:
I could still remember the first Archer book I found in the library. A battered, old copy of 'First Among Equals' that rarely gets the chance to be on the shelf even with its bulkiness. And it is only recently (on a random GoodReads browsing session) that I realised, it is not even his most popular work. It doesn't even make the top ten to be exact.
As you can guess I started this with high expectations. When it comes to storytelling Archer doesn't disappoint. Two boys, born at the same time in different parts of the world. Their social status might be vastly different, but both have their own demons to conquer. I knew they were going to be rivals but didn't pick a side (in the beginning anyway). Still, it's hard not to lean towards Abel or Wladek as he was then called.
Well, all that changed soon enough. Am I the only one who thought their rivalry was based on a baseless issue? Let's look at the facts. William was not able to persuade his board into supporting Abel's friend which eventually led to his death. How did Abel come to the conclusion that William is responsible for this? It is not like he had his share of grievances. If he really wanted revenge, shouldn't that be against the Germans who killed his father or the Russians who raped his sister? Well, since he cannot touch them, it is better to direct the pent up anger to someone nearby. Great logic! I can't fathom how twisted his mind is.
And the portrayal of these two is quite disturbing. On one side there is William Kane, upright, clever and steadfast in his beliefs. Then there is Abel Rosnovski blinded by hate. What is his excuse for all this stupidity? "We Polish are a sentimental lot". Ah! so it is his ethnicity that is to blame. Would never have guessed that one!!!
I closed the book filled with a sense of loss, grieving for a story that went astray.
Meet the author:
Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.
He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married to Mary Archer, a scientist specialising in solar power. Outside politics, he is a novelist, playwright and short story writer.
