Classic Series

Kane and Abel – Jeffery Archer

This novel is really special to me because my dad brought me it for my nineteenth birthday and I read it within a few days. This novel is coined by many as a ‘classic’, but Mark Twain defines a 'Classic' as 'a book which people praise and don't read' meaning this novel is so much more than a classic. In the 34 years since the original publication, the writing style has not become outdated and the plot is so relevant today, it would not surprise me if it were to be released today it would top the charts again. The novel recounts the tale of two men, Kane and Abel, who lead seemingly unconnected lives but through meetings of chance, they come to change each other in unimaginable ways.

One is born into a prestigious family, the other an orphan with only a silver bracelet and his wits to get him through life. The boys are changed by both personal and national loss, which shapes their driving natures. The novel is a contradiction, championing the American dream whilst also criticising the savage commercialism of ‘the greatest country on earth.’

The novel breaches big themes such as war and economic crisis, yet the narration allows the novel to remain personal allowing the reader to see both the bigger picture and how it affects individuals.

This novel will make you both laugh and cry as in the face of personal tragedy and loss they are both able to rise from the ashes to become greater than either could have hoped for but as jealously and hate consume them both, both them and their empires begin to burn to the ground.

The novel also has a great sequel The Prodigal Daughter which I cannot wait to read next. I was surprised to like Jeffery Archer’s writing as I also thought he only wrote books for men but I love his perspective on events. Have you read any Jeffery Archer and if so, do you have a favourite novel of his?

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx