Kane & Abel. Jeffrey Archer

**»Kane & Abel»** by Jeffrey Archer is a gripping novel that tells the story of two men from vastly different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined in a fierce rivalry. Published in 1979, the book has become one of Archer’s most famous works.

### Plot Summary

The story follows the lives of two protagonists:

1. **William Lowell Kane**:
— Born into a wealthy family, Kane is a privileged young man who attends the best schools and inherits a fortune.
— He is ambitious and determined to succeed in the world of finance, eventually becoming a successful banker.

2. **Abel Rosnovski**:
— Rosnovski comes from a poor Polish immigrant family and faces significant hardships in his early life.
— Through hard work and determination, he rises to prominence as a successful hotelier in America.

### Themes

1. **Rivalry and Revenge**:
— The central theme of the novel is the intense rivalry between Kane and Abel, marked by ambition, jealousy, and revenge.
— Their competition drives the narrative and highlights the extremes to which individuals will go to achieve success.

2. **Class and Society**:
— The contrast between Kane’s privileged upbringing and Abel’s struggles as an immigrant underscores themes of class and social mobility.
— The novel explores how background influences identity and ambition.

3. **Fate and Destiny**:
— The characters’ lives are shaped by their choices, yet fate also plays a significant role in their journeys.
— The interplay between personal agency and external circumstances is a recurring motif.

4. **Friendship and Betrayal**:
— The story delves into the complexities of friendship, illustrating how trust can be shattered by ambition and rivalry.
— It raises questions about loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.

### Reception and Legacy

*»Kane & Abel»* was well-received and became a bestseller, praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters. The novel has been adapted into a successful miniseries, further cementing its place in popular culture.

### Conclusion

**»Kane & Abel»** is a compelling tale of ambition, rivalry, and the pursuit of success. Jeffrey Archer’s masterful storytelling captivates readers, making it a classic in contemporary fiction that continues to resonate with audiences today.