Kane and Abel : Over-rated

Its time to bash Jeffrey Archer again (Jeffery Archer's fans, please don't read this. But I will give you this, I love to review his books!) Okay, here we go. War, politics, family business and family money...... There are other topics and genres too Jeffrey. Snap out of these for a change!

I am not even going to bother retracing the story. Cut to chase.

The doctor in the Russian camp helped only Abel to escape from the camp, giving his map, money, support, guidance and risking his life. The lady in the train helped Abel to escape again and considered him her son. Mr. Leroy, owner of the Richmond group of Hotels, gave away his 75% share of hotels to Abel before dying? He couldn't think of his daughter while generously giving away the hotels to a third person? And it was obvious that the Baron would bequeath his property along with the silver band on to Abel. And on seeing the silver band, the Englishmen stop Abel from being amputated. Why is everyone kissing his ass?

Abel wanted to avenge William Kane because William did not back him up during the 1929 crash? It is  silly. He had to save the bank, not be sentimental and support every customer he loaned out to. Even though Kane tried his best to back Abel and failed, it is ridiculous that they both have to cross roads like this! The vengeance was uncalled for. Abel was a business man too and he'd have done the same, given the situation.

Jeffrey Archer always uses the side cast to blow up the heroism of the main characters way too much. Like for instance, Mr.Curtis Frenton is terrified of Abel's interest in William Kane when actually he had no idea why Abel was inquiring about him. That girl with whom Abel goes out in the beginning, says to Abel that he can be a big shot but he has no clue as to how to deal with women, when in fact Abel was just a waiter!

And Abel won? The guy who cheated, chose the wrong path and avenged William Kane for no real reason actually won? I did not like the book for this very reason. Even though William Kane worked his way up to his cadre honestly, led a decent life with his wife and children, tried to back Abel up and in fact was his benefactor, he lost his position as the Chairman for being good and honest.

But apart from that most of the story was predictable. It was so easy to anticipate William's death when the author kept mentioning that he had to be home to meet and greet his son and daughter in law.

If there had been less of Abel and more of Florentyna's love interest in Richard Kane, the last few chapters at least would have been interesting. 

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