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Kane & Abel #1
Kane & Abel
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.
592 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
510 books11.7k followersJeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,187 reviews
February 21, 2019
I Remember Reading You Like It Was Yesterday!!
I have been updating my “favorites” shelf and realized my favorite book of all time is this one.
I am getting as old as dirt and read this nearly 40 years ago when my soon to be mother-in-law, rest her soul, handed me her paperback copy and told me “I loved this!,” and she thought I would too. She was absolutely correct, and this book was the catalyst for my love of reading from that point on.
I can still remember sitting on my parents couch mesmerized by the storyline. I simply could not put it down. Jeffrey Archer is a pure genius!
I guess this falls under “general” fiction, because it sure isn’t my usual romance. BUT, it is about two of the most memorable men I have ever met who despise each other.
I am just glad it is still available, as it was first published in 1979.
No matter what your genre of choice, I couldn’t recommend this book any higher. Would give 10 stars if I could ;)
I have been updating my “favorites” shelf and realized my favorite book of all time is this one.
I am getting as old as dirt and read this nearly 40 years ago when my soon to be mother-in-law, rest her soul, handed me her paperback copy and told me “I loved this!,” and she thought I would too. She was absolutely correct, and this book was the catalyst for my love of reading from that point on.
I can still remember sitting on my parents couch mesmerized by the storyline. I simply could not put it down. Jeffrey Archer is a pure genius!
I guess this falls under “general” fiction, because it sure isn’t my usual romance. BUT, it is about two of the most memorable men I have ever met who despise each other.
I am just glad it is still available, as it was first published in 1979.
No matter what your genre of choice, I couldn’t recommend this book any higher. Would give 10 stars if I could ;)
February 1, 2008
This was a book my mother recommended to me. She read it several years ago and remembered how good it was. And oh how good it was. This is a great story that is told over about 60 years from Europe to America. Archer tells 2 parallel stories. One about Abel Rosnovki and one about William Kane. The story is so well told and so interesting that I felt torn between the two main characters and their stories. You feel pulled away from one story line when Archer takes you to the next. I enjoyed Archer’s historical weave throughout each chapter. Especially the history of Poland and the part it played in both World Wars. Fascinating! Each character is developed from birth by the author and he does an outstanding job of taking you thru their childhood, teenage-school years and then adulthood. So, as a reader, you really get a feel for what they are made of and why they made the decisions they made throughout their life. The stories cross paths through-out the book and the ending is a masterful surprise. I have already mooched the sequel The Prodigal Daughter which I can’t wait to read.
October 22, 2012
I don't think so one can ever read a better Fiction than this. What is it that this book didn't have? You can't set any particular genre for it. It had thrill, mystery, drama, contemporary, historical fiction and what not. Oh....! I forgot to mention one thing. It ended with a sense of moral thought. It showed the way people live their modern day lives. Everybody running in one direction, running after money. Money seems to be everything to all of us. But there's an old saying Money can't buy you happiness. and what better example to illustrate it than this book itself. It shows you that happiness is in small things of life such as your family, friends and all that.
Just a GREAT BOOK.
Just a GREAT BOOK.
March 28, 2022
I re-read this after many years and found that I enjoyed it almost as much as the first time. The writing is excellent and of course the characters are memorable. This is a story of two determined men of character.
William Kane is born into privilege in the US, keen to head the bank his father helped build, while Abel Rosnovski (named Wladek by his foster parents) is born in Poland with his mother dying soon after. Abel survives the Germans and then the Russians, making it to the US via Turkey. He starts small as a waiter, and later thrives in the restaurant trade. He gets into a bitter (and misplaced) confrontation with William Kane.
I loved the contrast in the characters - William Kane: sophisticated, Abel Rosnovski: street smart, both ambitious and determined to rise to the top in their professions. In my recent read, I did feel the story had deliberate tracks to make you feel “If only” especially towards the end. I suppose one could nit-pick some of this, but then hey – it is a wonderful read. The book sets itself up very well for the sequel with the next generation - Richard Kane & Florentyna Rosnovski.
This was the book which made me an Archer fan many years back and I read many of his other books in quick succession. Strongly recommended if you have somehow not read this book!
William Kane is born into privilege in the US, keen to head the bank his father helped build, while Abel Rosnovski (named Wladek by his foster parents) is born in Poland with his mother dying soon after. Abel survives the Germans and then the Russians, making it to the US via Turkey. He starts small as a waiter, and later thrives in the restaurant trade. He gets into a bitter (and misplaced) confrontation with William Kane.
I loved the contrast in the characters - William Kane: sophisticated, Abel Rosnovski: street smart, both ambitious and determined to rise to the top in their professions. In my recent read, I did feel the story had deliberate tracks to make you feel “If only” especially towards the end. I suppose one could nit-pick some of this, but then hey – it is a wonderful read. The book sets itself up very well for the sequel with the next generation - Richard Kane & Florentyna Rosnovski.
This was the book which made me an Archer fan many years back and I read many of his other books in quick succession. Strongly recommended if you have somehow not read this book!
March 28, 2022
Looking at an old book with modern lenses isn't easy. I have read this classic at least 4-5 times but more than fifteen years ago. This reread (which will probably be a final reread) took me down nostalgia lane.
In many ways, I have grown as a reader so I could see all the flaws of the book standing out glaringly - the umpteen coincidences, the "Bollywood potboiler" kind of drama, the lack of attention to the daughters,... These elements haven't stood the test of time. At the same time, nothing can deny the magnitude of the historical, social and political coverage of the book. Nor can one ignore how wonderfully the story is built up in parallel between the two main characters, each of them getting the spotlight for an almost equal time. That ending is also perfect. I would have been disappointed if it had gone the more clichéd way.
Kane and Abel are both grey characters in many ways. Regardless of their disparate start in life, they have so much in common, especially in their determination, drive and demands. I don't love the characters but I love their intricate character sketching. Only Jeffrey Archer can make you root for such complicated characters.
If I view this book through my 2022 perspective, I might rate it a 4. But considering the era it was written in, and keeping in mind the almost perfect blend of fact and fiction, I will go with 4.5. The fact that I could complete this 550 pager within two days shows how much I have loved this classic. It's still going to be one of my favourite Archer works, despite the myriad flaws. 😊
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
In many ways, I have grown as a reader so I could see all the flaws of the book standing out glaringly - the umpteen coincidences, the "Bollywood potboiler" kind of drama, the lack of attention to the daughters,... These elements haven't stood the test of time. At the same time, nothing can deny the magnitude of the historical, social and political coverage of the book. Nor can one ignore how wonderfully the story is built up in parallel between the two main characters, each of them getting the spotlight for an almost equal time. That ending is also perfect. I would have been disappointed if it had gone the more clichéd way.
Kane and Abel are both grey characters in many ways. Regardless of their disparate start in life, they have so much in common, especially in their determination, drive and demands. I don't love the characters but I love their intricate character sketching. Only Jeffrey Archer can make you root for such complicated characters.
If I view this book through my 2022 perspective, I might rate it a 4. But considering the era it was written in, and keeping in mind the almost perfect blend of fact and fiction, I will go with 4.5. The fact that I could complete this 550 pager within two days shows how much I have loved this classic. It's still going to be one of my favourite Archer works, despite the myriad flaws. 😊
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
April 28, 2024
I read this book because my book club had picked it. Can that sound any more insulting? I think I'd read it before, when I was a lot younger. I know that it is on my mother's bookshelf, she was very excited when she heard that the book club had chosen it. Anyhoo, it is bad. And not in a way that "it is so bad it is good", it is just bad in a way that "pulling nostril hairs with a pair of pliers" is no fun at all.
You get the feeling that Mr. Archer came up with the title during an evening's drinking, came up with the plot after a couple more drinks, dictated the story when the bottle was finished. What makes it worse is that you get the feeling that his editor was there at the same drinking session, thus failing to correct the countless mistakes.
Forget the childish writing that an editor should pick up (really, soldiers take their clothes off and fold them neatly before raping women?), nor the arrival of deus ex machina characters who have no life outside moving the story on (can anyone really explain what that woman was doing on the train outside a gulag?). No, it is the basic errors in the plot that tend to make you think the editor didn't really bother to read the thing.
Actually, this book annoyed me so much that I am typing this and getting angrier and angrier, remembering how bad it was. So I'll stop.
You get the feeling that Mr. Archer came up with the title during an evening's drinking, came up with the plot after a couple more drinks, dictated the story when the bottle was finished. What makes it worse is that you get the feeling that his editor was there at the same drinking session, thus failing to correct the countless mistakes.
Forget the childish writing that an editor should pick up (really, soldiers take their clothes off and fold them neatly before raping women?), nor the arrival of deus ex machina characters who have no life outside moving the story on (can anyone really explain what that woman was doing on the train outside a gulag?). No, it is the basic errors in the plot that tend to make you think the editor didn't really bother to read the thing.
Actually, this book annoyed me so much that I am typing this and getting angrier and angrier, remembering how bad it was. So I'll stop.
September 28, 2023
Kane is born into a loving family with an enormous amount of wealth. Abel’s mother dies in childbirth. He grows up in poverty with a family that was already struggling to put enough food on the table and his arrival means one more mouth to feed. The only thing that seemingly binds them is that they were born on the same day.
Kane’s privileged young adult life is full of his conquests for more money as a top student of his class. Though he also faces some very unexpected consequences due to the tragic events of the Titanic. Abel’s young adult life on the other hand is dominated by poverty, before coming face to face with the brutal, violent and dehumanizing horrors of a World War.
When the two protagonists are all grown up, they are very much shaped by their completely opposite pasts. What they have in common is limitless ambition. A willingness to go to great lengths to be successful in life. When their paths cross, they gain a pure and unadulterated hatred for each other. And in the end, only one of them can be the winner.
My copy is a 127th edition of this book. So to say this book is a popular one already feels like an understatement from the start. It’s a very epic story about the lives of two very smart and ruthless businessmen that spans multiple decades. It’s really cool to see so many historic events represented here. And they are done justice. Both protagonists struggle through some famous dark moments of our past.
What this book does quite well is showing that anyone could potentially make it big. It’s the American Dream that comes to life here. In Abel we see that anyone - even someone born in extreme poverty - can work themselves up to the top. And in Kane we see that even if you are fortunate enough to be born in a wealthy family, being successful later in life is not something to be taken for granted. The story shows that it’s possible to make it big no matter where you get your start in life. But it also shows that it’s never easy. You need dedication, hard work, confidence in your own talent and skills, a willingness to take risks, resilience to bounce back from all the many setbacks you’re undoubtedly going to face along the way, and most of all: a lot of luck.
The writing style deserves a mention here. There’s quite a lot of telling instead of showing. But it’s expertly handled. It’s like you’re sitting late at night by a warm cozy fire and the author slowly starts telling you a tragic story about two people whose lives got intertwined. And despite this being a lengthy book that covers quite a few decades, the story moves pretty fast because of this writing style.
Even though the hatred between these two characters feels like it’s going to take biblical proportions from the start because of their names, it takes quite a long time for the conflict to start. It also doesn’t feel all that impressive when the first seed of hatred is planted. And at the end, it feels like the feud may have even been a bit overhyped because of their names. The revelation at the end is quite fitting for their eternal conflict though. And it very much proves the point this story tries to make, ending the story on a high note.
Another thing I have to say is that I’m just not that interested in the banking world, which takes up quite a lengthy section of this book. Though the author does a great job of making it feel as gripping and gritty as possible. There are also quite a few coincidences that move the plot along. Like the many times Abel was fortunate enough to find someone to unconditionally help him when he needed it most.
Overall, quite a strong and entertaining rivalry between two protagonists who feel very different and yet also very similar at the same time.
Kane’s privileged young adult life is full of his conquests for more money as a top student of his class. Though he also faces some very unexpected consequences due to the tragic events of the Titanic. Abel’s young adult life on the other hand is dominated by poverty, before coming face to face with the brutal, violent and dehumanizing horrors of a World War.
When the two protagonists are all grown up, they are very much shaped by their completely opposite pasts. What they have in common is limitless ambition. A willingness to go to great lengths to be successful in life. When their paths cross, they gain a pure and unadulterated hatred for each other. And in the end, only one of them can be the winner.
My copy is a 127th edition of this book. So to say this book is a popular one already feels like an understatement from the start. It’s a very epic story about the lives of two very smart and ruthless businessmen that spans multiple decades. It’s really cool to see so many historic events represented here. And they are done justice. Both protagonists struggle through some famous dark moments of our past.
What this book does quite well is showing that anyone could potentially make it big. It’s the American Dream that comes to life here. In Abel we see that anyone - even someone born in extreme poverty - can work themselves up to the top. And in Kane we see that even if you are fortunate enough to be born in a wealthy family, being successful later in life is not something to be taken for granted. The story shows that it’s possible to make it big no matter where you get your start in life. But it also shows that it’s never easy. You need dedication, hard work, confidence in your own talent and skills, a willingness to take risks, resilience to bounce back from all the many setbacks you’re undoubtedly going to face along the way, and most of all: a lot of luck.
The writing style deserves a mention here. There’s quite a lot of telling instead of showing. But it’s expertly handled. It’s like you’re sitting late at night by a warm cozy fire and the author slowly starts telling you a tragic story about two people whose lives got intertwined. And despite this being a lengthy book that covers quite a few decades, the story moves pretty fast because of this writing style.
Even though the hatred between these two characters feels like it’s going to take biblical proportions from the start because of their names, it takes quite a long time for the conflict to start. It also doesn’t feel all that impressive when the first seed of hatred is planted. And at the end, it feels like the feud may have even been a bit overhyped because of their names. The revelation at the end is quite fitting for their eternal conflict though. And it very much proves the point this story tries to make, ending the story on a high note.
Another thing I have to say is that I’m just not that interested in the banking world, which takes up quite a lengthy section of this book. Though the author does a great job of making it feel as gripping and gritty as possible. There are also quite a few coincidences that move the plot along. Like the many times Abel was fortunate enough to find someone to unconditionally help him when he needed it most.
Overall, quite a strong and entertaining rivalry between two protagonists who feel very different and yet also very similar at the same time.
October 12, 2018
Câu chuyện của hai cuộc đời, hai số phận, sinh ra trong cùng một ngày ở hai đất nước khác biệt, tưởng chừng như xa xôi nhưng số mệnh đã mang họ lại gắn kết với nhau, chạm trán nhau, đối đầu với nhau, và đến cuối cùng là giúp đỡ nhau mặc dù cả hai bên đều không hay biết gì.
Cách phân bố mạch truyện rất hay, câu chuyện bắt đầu từ giây phút đầu tiên họ đư���c sinh ra, đến khi bắt đầu lớn, rồi đến thời thanh niên trai trẻ, khi đã là hai người đàn ông thành đạt và cuối cùng khi đã về già. Hai cuộc đời ấy được kể xen kẽ với nhau, một kẻ nghèo khó lăn lộn từ Ba Lan, thoát khỏi lao tù ở Nga đến Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ và cuối cùng vượt đường đến Mỹ làm lại cuộc đời; và một người sinh ra trong nhung lụa giàu có, nhưng những biến cố cuộc đời cứ liên tiếp ập đến với anh từ lúc còn rất trẻ. Hai con người ấy bị số mệnh an bài là sẽ thù ghét nhau từ lúc còn rất trẻ, luôn tìm cách hãm hại nhau cùng tận không còn đường sống nhưng nào ai biết, một trong hai thật sự là thiên thần giang tay cứu vớt cuộc đời người còn lại...
Thiết nghĩ nếu Abel nhận ra sự thật sớm hơn, thì có lẽ họ đã trở thành anh em tốt của nhau chứ chẳng phải thù địch cho đến hết đời. Cảm động cảnh tượng cuối cùng khi Kane và Abel cuối cùng cũng gặp lại sau bao nhiêu năm thù hằn, cả hai ông già đều ngả mũ chào nhau sau đó đi lướt qua nhau không nói lời nào. Chỉ có thế thôi nhưng giây phút đó, bao nhiêu thù hận chất chứa mấy chục năm dường như đã tan biến vào hư không.
Đọc quyển này chuyên ngành và chứng khoán và làm ăn kinh doanh khá nhiều nhưng không hề làm mình thấy chán. Đọc cảm giác như đang xem một bộ phim truyền hình với cuộc đua ngang tài ngang sức của hai nhân vật chính vậy. Một cuốn sách nên đọc một lần trong đời, nó sẽ làm bạn thay đổi suy nghĩ! Vì nó thật sự đã làm thay đổi suy nghĩ của mình, thật sự xúc động và có gì đó rất vĩ đại.
Cảm phục Abel - con người không bao giờ chịu đầu hàng trước số phận, đặt chân đến Mỹ - đất nước của những cơ hội , ông không bao giờ chấp nhận số phận và luôn vươn lên tiến về phía trước. Và cả Kane - con người sống trong sung túc nhưng mang một tấm lòng lương thiện cao cả và nhìn xa trông rộng, đã vô tình hữu ý trao cho Abel một cuộc đời để bắt đầu lại mà chẳng cần bất cứ đáp đền.
Cách phân bố mạch truyện rất hay, câu chuyện bắt đầu từ giây phút đầu tiên họ đư���c sinh ra, đến khi bắt đầu lớn, rồi đến thời thanh niên trai trẻ, khi đã là hai người đàn ông thành đạt và cuối cùng khi đã về già. Hai cuộc đời ấy được kể xen kẽ với nhau, một kẻ nghèo khó lăn lộn từ Ba Lan, thoát khỏi lao tù ở Nga đến Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ và cuối cùng vượt đường đến Mỹ làm lại cuộc đời; và một người sinh ra trong nhung lụa giàu có, nhưng những biến cố cuộc đời cứ liên tiếp ập đến với anh từ lúc còn rất trẻ. Hai con người ấy bị số mệnh an bài là sẽ thù ghét nhau từ lúc còn rất trẻ, luôn tìm cách hãm hại nhau cùng tận không còn đường sống nhưng nào ai biết, một trong hai thật sự là thiên thần giang tay cứu vớt cuộc đời người còn lại...
Thiết nghĩ nếu Abel nhận ra sự thật sớm hơn, thì có lẽ họ đã trở thành anh em tốt của nhau chứ chẳng phải thù địch cho đến hết đời. Cảm động cảnh tượng cuối cùng khi Kane và Abel cuối cùng cũng gặp lại sau bao nhiêu năm thù hằn, cả hai ông già đều ngả mũ chào nhau sau đó đi lướt qua nhau không nói lời nào. Chỉ có thế thôi nhưng giây phút đó, bao nhiêu thù hận chất chứa mấy chục năm dường như đã tan biến vào hư không.
Đọc quyển này chuyên ngành và chứng khoán và làm ăn kinh doanh khá nhiều nhưng không hề làm mình thấy chán. Đọc cảm giác như đang xem một bộ phim truyền hình với cuộc đua ngang tài ngang sức của hai nhân vật chính vậy. Một cuốn sách nên đọc một lần trong đời, nó sẽ làm bạn thay đổi suy nghĩ! Vì nó thật sự đã làm thay đổi suy nghĩ của mình, thật sự xúc động và có gì đó rất vĩ đại.
Cảm phục Abel - con người không bao giờ chịu đầu hàng trước số phận, đặt chân đến Mỹ - đất nước của những cơ hội , ông không bao giờ chấp nhận số phận và luôn vươn lên tiến về phía trước. Và cả Kane - con người sống trong sung túc nhưng mang một tấm lòng lương thiện cao cả và nhìn xa trông rộng, đã vô tình hữu ý trao cho Abel một cuộc đời để bắt đầu lại mà chẳng cần bất cứ đáp đền.
July 11, 2017
Kane and Abel (Kane and Abel, #1), Jeffrey Archer
Kane and Abel is a 1979 novel by British author Jeffrey Archer. Released in the United Kingdom in 1979 and in the United States in February 1980, the book was an international success. It reached No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list. The sequel to Kane and Abel is The Prodigal Daughter, in which Florentyna Kane is the protagonist. The book tells the stories of two men born worlds apart. They have nothing in common except the same date of birth (18 April 1906 in the book, and 1902 in the miniseries based on it) and a zeal to succeed in life. William Lowell Kane is a wealthy and powerful Boston Brahmin while Abel Rosnovski (originally named Wladek Koskiewicz) is a Pole who was born in a situation of great poverty and eventually migrated to the United States.
عنوانها: کین و ایبل ؛ بازی روزگار؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سی ام جولای سال 1995 میلادی
عنوان: بازی روزگار؛ نویسنده: جفری آرچر؛ مترجم: سروش قربانی؛ تهران، بهزاذ : مهتاب؛ 1373؛ در 741 ص؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 20 م
عنوان: کین و ایبل : هابیل و قابیل - کتاب 1؛ جفری آرچر؛ مترجم: فتانه حاج سید جوادی؛ تهران، البرز، 1373؛ در 624 ص؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نشر پیکان، 1376؛ شابک: 9646229212؛ چاپ دیگر 1394؛ در 632 ص؛ کتابنامه دارد؛ شابک: 9789644429132؛
ا. شربیانی
Kane and Abel is a 1979 novel by British author Jeffrey Archer. Released in the United Kingdom in 1979 and in the United States in February 1980, the book was an international success. It reached No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list. The sequel to Kane and Abel is The Prodigal Daughter, in which Florentyna Kane is the protagonist. The book tells the stories of two men born worlds apart. They have nothing in common except the same date of birth (18 April 1906 in the book, and 1902 in the miniseries based on it) and a zeal to succeed in life. William Lowell Kane is a wealthy and powerful Boston Brahmin while Abel Rosnovski (originally named Wladek Koskiewicz) is a Pole who was born in a situation of great poverty and eventually migrated to the United States.
عنوانها: کین و ایبل ؛ بازی روزگار؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سی ام جولای سال 1995 میلادی
عنوان: بازی روزگار؛ نویسنده: جفری آرچر؛ مترجم: سروش قربانی؛ تهران، بهزاذ : مهتاب؛ 1373؛ در 741 ص؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 20 م
عنوان: کین و ایبل : هابیل و قابیل - کتاب 1؛ جفری آرچر؛ مترجم: فتانه حاج سید جوادی؛ تهران، البرز، 1373؛ در 624 ص؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، نشر پیکان، 1376؛ شابک: 9646229212؛ چاپ دیگر 1394؛ در 632 ص؛ کتابنامه دارد؛ شابک: 9789644429132؛
ا. شربیانی
November 7, 2011
It was clear from the start that this wasn't great literature by any means--but for the first part of around 200 pages I found it gripping. One of those sagas where you enjoy a panorama of history and watching two powerful characters clashing. The story follows two men born on the same day in 1906. William Kane Lowell, a Boston Brahmin and Abel Rosnovski, the illegitimate son of a Polish baron. We follow their parallel but contrasting from boyhood. Both prove themselves at first both extraordinary and sympathetic. We watch self-contained William shrewdly build on his fortune, making his own money buying and selling matchbox cars to his classmates, building a stockmarket portfolio while still a schoolboy, and struggling against his feckless stepfather. Meanwhile Abel comes into his inheritance, learning he's his father's son even as he loses everything to the Russians in the wake of World War I and emigrating to the United States with only a few dollars coming off the boat.
My problems with the books began when their lives began to intersect. Too many coincidences moved the plot, too many misunderstandings and pettiness factored into their enmity and the resolution was too cliched.
My problems with the books began when their lives began to intersect. Too many coincidences moved the plot, too many misunderstandings and pettiness factored into their enmity and the resolution was too cliched.
January 29, 2024
Unputdownable.
June 24, 2017
Τα 5 αστέρια δεν είναι απλώς λίγα... Δε μπορώ να βρω λέξεις για να περιγράψω αυτό το αριστούργημα. Πολλές φορές σκέφτηκα πως αυτή την πένα δεν την κράτησε ανθρώπινο χέρι.
Σ'ευχαριστώ Ειρήνη που μου το πρότεινες! Δεν πρόκειται για ανάγνωση αλλά για πραγματική εμπειρία ζωής. Ήμουν φτωχότερη πριν το διαβάσω..
June 12, 2020
ĐỈNH CAO.... MÊ THỰC SỰ!!! Nhà kể chuyện đại tài thực sự ạ... K nói gì nhiều mọi người hãy đọc nhé
August 24, 2024
Story 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.
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 one star (and that is being generous).
My 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.
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.
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 one star (and that is being generous).
My 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.
May 9, 2012
One of the best books I've ever read. Two men from different backgrounds meet and impact on each others lives. One extremely rich and one a poor refugee from the world war travels to America to make a name for himself. Well written with interesting charaters and story. Well worth a read.
February 26, 2021
3,5/5
review sách vui vẻ không quạu: https://youtu.be/2OTrNchgsUg
16/11/2020
one of the most predictable plots ever. but still. gave me the creeps reading the very last lines.
i mean i guessed everything right, but oh well.
---
18/11/2020
rồi để viết review tử tế cho cuốn sách này nào.
Mình phải nói thật là, đôi khi có phần hơi oán trách bản thân sao lại đọc nhiều sách đương đại trước khi đọc sách kinh điển. Không phải vì sách đương đại không có giá trị, mà là vì chúng lấy lại nhiều nguyên liệu từ những tiền bối đi trước.
Đọc cuốn sách "Hai số phận", không thể tránh khỏi việc cảm thấy nhàm chán. Sách quá dài là một chuyện, nhưng sách quá dễ đoán mới là điều khiến mình dễ nản. Hầu như tới mỗi khúc cao trào, mình lại đưa ra những suy đoán và gần như đều đúng hết. Rất tiếc là trải nghiệm đọc của mình đã bị đống sách trong đầu và khả năng suy luận của mình phá hỏng. (Tức là, đến tận cái kết, cái mà nhiều bạn có nhận xét là "siêu hay tỉnh cả ngủ", mình cũng đoán trúng phóc luôn đó. Nên ra.)
Nếu phải khuyên các bạn một điều trước khi đọc sách này, đó là đừng kì vọng nhiều quá. Không phải nó không hay, mà là bạn càng kì vọng thì bạn sẽ càng dễ thất vọng. Chính là mình với vô số tác phẩm khác. Ngoài ra, nếu bạn chưa đọc quá nhiều sách, mình cũng khuyên thật là nên đọc sách "già" trước rồi hẵng chuyển qua sách "trẻ", chỉ để trải nghiệm được trọn vẹn hơn cả.
---
"Hai số phận" là một cuốn sách bao hàm quá nhiều điều. Từ cái tên lấy từ Kinh Thánh (đọc giống tên hai anh em Cain và Abel) đã để lại bao ấn tượng, bao hình dung về hai số phận trớ trêu. Không chỉ bàn về duyên số, cuốn sách còn mở ra cả một chân trời về thương trường, tiền tệ - một mảng mà mình chẳng có tí kiến thức nào. Đây cũng là một bức tranh bao quát thời đại, tóm gọn cả hai cuộc thế chiến dưới một góc nhìn hoàn toàn khác. Đúng như lời tựa, đây là một câu chuyện về hai con người hoàn toàn xa lạ, và cách mà cuộc đời để cho họ gặp nhau.
William Kane
Abel Rosnovski
Mặc dù với nội dung đầy hứa hẹn, bối cảnh độc đáo, nhân vật đáng quan tâm, "Hai số phận" đã không thật sự kể tốt câu chuyện nó cần kể. Cuốn sách phạm phải lỗi điển hình "Show, don't tell", lối viết chẳng khác nào liệt kê. Mặc dù chi tiết nào cũng quan trọng đấy, nhưng không để lại ấn tượng cảm xúc gì cho mình.
Không phải nói cuốn sách này "nhạt", nhưng dường như tác giả không tìm được vị trí chính xác để đặt nút thắt và cách giải quyết mâu thuẫn. Cứ có những đoạn sách rất hay, rất cuốn hút, nhưng đi kèm ngay sau đó lại là sự dài dòng lê thê...
Sau cùng, được biết thêm về chính trị và giới ngân hàng qua các kì khủng hoảng, các thế chiến, cũng là một điều thú vị. Nếu các bạn thích kinh tế, tiền tệ thì chắc chắn nên thử cuốn sách này. Mình đã dành cả đời để ghét tiền và kinh t, dù biết cái gì cũng quy hết về kinh tế được thôi. Nhưng sao được, đó là sở thích cá nhân của mình, và chính điều đó đã ảnh hưởng tới trải nghiệm đọc cuốn sách này.
---
Một cuốn sách hay, thật sự, nếu như bạn 1/ không đoán được ra mọi cú "plot twist" của truyện và 2/ yêu thích kinh tế và chính trị.
review sách vui vẻ không quạu: https://youtu.be/2OTrNchgsUg
16/11/2020
one of the most predictable plots ever. but still. gave me the creeps reading the very last lines.
i mean i guessed everything right, but oh well.
---
18/11/2020
rồi để viết review tử tế cho cuốn sách này nào.
Mình phải nói thật là, đôi khi có phần hơi oán trách bản thân sao lại đọc nhiều sách đương đại trước khi đọc sách kinh điển. Không phải vì sách đương đại không có giá trị, mà là vì chúng lấy lại nhiều nguyên liệu từ những tiền bối đi trước.
Đọc cuốn sách "Hai số phận", không thể tránh khỏi việc cảm thấy nhàm chán. Sách quá dài là một chuyện, nhưng sách quá dễ đoán mới là điều khiến mình dễ nản. Hầu như tới mỗi khúc cao trào, mình lại đưa ra những suy đoán và gần như đều đúng hết. Rất tiếc là trải nghiệm đọc của mình đã bị đống sách trong đầu và khả năng suy luận của mình phá hỏng. (Tức là, đến tận cái kết, cái mà nhiều bạn có nhận xét là "siêu hay tỉnh cả ngủ", mình cũng đoán trúng phóc luôn đó. Nên ra.)
Nếu phải khuyên các bạn một điều trước khi đọc sách này, đó là đừng kì vọng nhiều quá. Không phải nó không hay, mà là bạn càng kì vọng thì bạn sẽ càng dễ thất vọng. Chính là mình với vô số tác phẩm khác. Ngoài ra, nếu bạn chưa đọc quá nhiều sách, mình cũng khuyên thật là nên đọc sách "già" trước rồi hẵng chuyển qua sách "trẻ", chỉ để trải nghiệm được trọn vẹn hơn cả.
---
"Hai số phận" là một cuốn sách bao hàm quá nhiều điều. Từ cái tên lấy từ Kinh Thánh (đọc giống tên hai anh em Cain và Abel) đã để lại bao ấn tượng, bao hình dung về hai số phận trớ trêu. Không chỉ bàn về duyên số, cuốn sách còn mở ra cả một chân trời về thương trường, tiền tệ - một mảng mà mình chẳng có tí kiến thức nào. Đây cũng là một bức tranh bao quát thời đại, tóm gọn cả hai cuộc thế chiến dưới một góc nhìn hoàn toàn khác. Đúng như lời tựa, đây là một câu chuyện về hai con người hoàn toàn xa lạ, và cách mà cuộc đời để cho họ gặp nhau.
William Kane
Abel Rosnovski
Mặc dù với nội dung đầy hứa hẹn, bối cảnh độc đáo, nhân vật đáng quan tâm, "Hai số phận" đã không thật sự kể tốt câu chuyện nó cần kể. Cuốn sách phạm phải lỗi điển hình "Show, don't tell", lối viết chẳng khác nào liệt kê. Mặc dù chi tiết nào cũng quan trọng đấy, nhưng không để lại ấn tượng cảm xúc gì cho mình.
Không phải nói cuốn sách này "nhạt", nhưng dường như tác giả không tìm được vị trí chính xác để đặt nút thắt và cách giải quyết mâu thuẫn. Cứ có những đoạn sách rất hay, rất cuốn hút, nhưng đi kèm ngay sau đó lại là sự dài dòng lê thê...
Sau cùng, được biết thêm về chính trị và giới ngân hàng qua các kì khủng hoảng, các thế chiến, cũng là một điều thú vị. Nếu các bạn thích kinh tế, tiền tệ thì chắc chắn nên thử cuốn sách này. Mình đã dành cả đời để ghét tiền và kinh t, dù biết cái gì cũng quy hết về kinh tế được thôi. Nhưng sao được, đó là sở thích cá nhân của mình, và chính điều đó đã ảnh hưởng tới trải nghiệm đọc cuốn sách này.
---
Một cuốn sách hay, thật sự, nếu như bạn 1/ không đoán được ra mọi cú "plot twist" của truyện và 2/ yêu thích kinh tế và chính trị.
April 27, 2020
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Outstanding character development, excellent plot, wonderful setting structures and a totally satisfying read and conclusion. Top of my best for best books I have read.
March 6, 2020
It was a massive,huge bestseller when it was first published. On my copy of the book,I can see some glowing reviews.One hyperbolic review describes Archer as "probably the greatest storyteller of our age".
I enjoyed it the first time and
picked it up again after many years,but this time I didn't like it as much.
I had read most of Archer's books in the meanwhile and found myself asking the question,how many times can you write Kane and Abel ? He has used the formula too often in his later books.
It is a story about the lives of two powerful men,born on the same day in contrasting circumstances. They compete ferociously to build a fortune and end up wanting to destroy each other.
The story spans sixty years and moves through cataclysmic events including World Wars I & II and the Great Depression.
Although it moves at a brisk enough pace,some of the events and coincidences are just too convenient.In particular,the story of Abel's early life is scarcely credible.
The book catapulted Archer to fame. It was successful enough for him to write a sequel,The Prodigal Daughter.That turned out to be a disappointing effort.
I enjoyed it the first time and
picked it up again after many years,but this time I didn't like it as much.
I had read most of Archer's books in the meanwhile and found myself asking the question,how many times can you write Kane and Abel ? He has used the formula too often in his later books.
It is a story about the lives of two powerful men,born on the same day in contrasting circumstances. They compete ferociously to build a fortune and end up wanting to destroy each other.
The story spans sixty years and moves through cataclysmic events including World Wars I & II and the Great Depression.
Although it moves at a brisk enough pace,some of the events and coincidences are just too convenient.In particular,the story of Abel's early life is scarcely credible.
The book catapulted Archer to fame. It was successful enough for him to write a sequel,The Prodigal Daughter.That turned out to be a disappointing effort.
July 23, 2018
Câu chuyện này độc ác với tui ở một chỗ: nó không cho phép tui mổ xẻ nó. Đọc xong, gấp lại và phải giữ y nguyên đó, không được đem bất kỳ ai trong này ra phân tích và kể lể. Đó là cuộc đời, mà cuộc đời thì không nên được cho biết trước, sẽ mất đi ý nghĩa bất ngờ vốn có.
Tui rất thích. Thích cực.
Tui rất thích. Thích cực.
July 13, 2024
3.75/5
Hình như có cả phim thì phải. Để tìm thử xem có không rồi update anh em sau.
Để nói về Hai Số Phận thì tớ khá thích cuốn này, cơ mà Hai Số Phận lại chưa đủ “trình” để lọt top sách cực yêu thích của tớ. 3.75/5 chốt hạ số điểm cuối cùng.
Hai Số Phận tái hiện từng giai đoạn cuộc đời của hai nhân vật chính là William và Abel bằng cách kể đan xen hai mạch truyện: Cả hai sinh ra cùng ngày cùng tháng cùng năm, nhưng một người được sống trong nhung lụa, còn một kẻ là đứa con hoang. Một người có tất cả, còn một kẻ chỉ có đôi bàn tay trắng. Tuy nhiên số phận đã đưa đẩy hai con người trái ngược ấy, khiến cho họ cuốn vào vòng xoáy trong con đường xây dựng đế chế vinh quang của riêng mình. Hành trình rong ruổi 60 năm là những mắt xích về tình yêu, về hôn nhân, về những tranh chấp tư bản hay cả những cuộc chiến tranh khốc liệt đổ máu nơi chiến trường. Và định mệnh một lần nữa lại khiến cho cuộc đời William và Abel giao nhau tại một điểm mang tên hận thù.
Mạch truyện chậm rãi và tỉ mỉ, xen kẽ nhiều giai đoạn trải dài từ năm 1906 tới năm 1967 trong lịch sử và mỗi giai đoạn lại mang một điểm nhấn riêng về cuộc đời của hai người đàn ông. Từ khi họ ra đời cho đến khi gặp nhau và bị nhấn chìm bởi ngọn lửa mâu thuẫn dai dẳng. Cách kể chuyện này làm tớ liên tưởng đến Ánh Sáng Vô Hình, cũng là sự triển khai xen kẽ nhau về số phận của hai người cho đến mãi gần cuối họ mới giáp mặt. Tuy nhiên Hai Số Phận lại mang “tầm vóc” nghiêng về chính trị và kinh thế hay thị trường chứng khoán nhiều hơn, cảm giác sau khi đọc xong như được khai sáng chân trời mới, và nói thật thì tớ thấy hơi mệt não và đôi chỗ có hơi nản, vì tớ không khoái chủ đề này cho lắm. Nhưng bù lại, sự mạch lạc khi đề cập tới chính trị và tình hình kinh tế trong này lại càng làm nổi bật lên trí óc thông minh và khả năng quyết đoán của cả hai nhân vật William và Abel trong Hai Số Phận, phải nói họ tuy xuất thân từ hai hoàn cảnh trái ngược, nhưng cả hai đều sở hữu một cái đầu rất nhạy bén trong thị trường kinh doanh, cực kỳ ấn tượng.
Đặc biệt lưu ý là trong sách có vài đoạn rất ám ảnh, một trong số đó tớ cảm thấy rợn người khi đọc đó là cảnh cưỡng hiếp một phụ nữ được miêu tả rất trần trụi và man rợ. Cảm giác khi đọc đến đoạn này cực bức bối và khó chịu bởi cảnh đó quá khủng khiếp, tưởng tượng thôi đã thấy gai người rồi.
Bên cạnh đó xét về tuyến nhân vật, phải nói là tớ thích cách xây dựng nhân vật anh rich kid William trong câu chuyện hơn, cảm giác anh đúng là một quý ông và xử lý tình huống cực kỳ khéo léo, đúng chuẩn có tố chất làm sếp ngay từ thuở lọt lòng. Ấn tượng nhất là màn anh chàng cầu hôn với người yêu trong Hai Số Phận, đỉnh cao của sự gọn gàng đánh nhanh thắng nhanh. Còn cách xử sự của Abel có hơi thiếu tế nhị, và đôi lúc thấy nhân vật này quá nóng vội và luôn bị lòng căm phẫn thống trị lấy phần người, tuy nhiên cũng phải thông cảm cho Abel vì suy cho cùng, sự hận thù cũng chính là nguồn sống nuôi dưỡng anh từ khi mới sinh ra cho đến gần hết cuộc đời.
Thêm nữa, cách mà tác giả làm cho số phận William và Abel giao nhau cũng rất hay. Tớ không hề đoán trước được mạch truyện đi đến đâu, để đến cuối cùng cũng phải ngỡ ngàng, ồ à á à a, hoá ra là thế. Đoạn gần cuối truyện cũng làm tớ liên tưởng tới Romeo & Juliette, nhưng (chắc là) happy ending theo một cách nào đó =))
Tớ không khoái hardcover nên quyết định rước bản paperback của Huy Hoàng về, cũng thấp thỏm vì thấy nhiều bạn bảo bị bung gáy mà số may không dính. Dịch khá ổn, tuy nhiên vẫn còn vài ba lỗi đánh máy mà không vấn đề. Vì tớ không thích chủ đề chính trị hay thị trường chứng khoán nên đọc nhiều lúc buồn ngủ ghê, nhưng mấy bạn thích chủ đề này thì highly recommend Hai Số Phận nhé, rất đáng đọc đó.
Hình như có cả phim thì phải. Để tìm thử xem có không rồi update anh em sau.
Để nói về Hai Số Phận thì tớ khá thích cuốn này, cơ mà Hai Số Phận lại chưa đủ “trình” để lọt top sách cực yêu thích của tớ. 3.75/5 chốt hạ số điểm cuối cùng.
Hai Số Phận tái hiện từng giai đoạn cuộc đời của hai nhân vật chính là William và Abel bằng cách kể đan xen hai mạch truyện: Cả hai sinh ra cùng ngày cùng tháng cùng năm, nhưng một người được sống trong nhung lụa, còn một kẻ là đứa con hoang. Một người có tất cả, còn một kẻ chỉ có đôi bàn tay trắng. Tuy nhiên số phận đã đưa đẩy hai con người trái ngược ấy, khiến cho họ cuốn vào vòng xoáy trong con đường xây dựng đế chế vinh quang của riêng mình. Hành trình rong ruổi 60 năm là những mắt xích về tình yêu, về hôn nhân, về những tranh chấp tư bản hay cả những cuộc chiến tranh khốc liệt đổ máu nơi chiến trường. Và định mệnh một lần nữa lại khiến cho cuộc đời William và Abel giao nhau tại một điểm mang tên hận thù.
Mạch truyện chậm rãi và tỉ mỉ, xen kẽ nhiều giai đoạn trải dài từ năm 1906 tới năm 1967 trong lịch sử và mỗi giai đoạn lại mang một điểm nhấn riêng về cuộc đời của hai người đàn ông. Từ khi họ ra đời cho đến khi gặp nhau và bị nhấn chìm bởi ngọn lửa mâu thuẫn dai dẳng. Cách kể chuyện này làm tớ liên tưởng đến Ánh Sáng Vô Hình, cũng là sự triển khai xen kẽ nhau về số phận của hai người cho đến mãi gần cuối họ mới giáp mặt. Tuy nhiên Hai Số Phận lại mang “tầm vóc” nghiêng về chính trị và kinh thế hay thị trường chứng khoán nhiều hơn, cảm giác sau khi đọc xong như được khai sáng chân trời mới, và nói thật thì tớ thấy hơi mệt não và đôi chỗ có hơi nản, vì tớ không khoái chủ đề này cho lắm. Nhưng bù lại, sự mạch lạc khi đề cập tới chính trị và tình hình kinh tế trong này lại càng làm nổi bật lên trí óc thông minh và khả năng quyết đoán của cả hai nhân vật William và Abel trong Hai Số Phận, phải nói họ tuy xuất thân từ hai hoàn cảnh trái ngược, nhưng cả hai đều sở hữu một cái đầu rất nhạy bén trong thị trường kinh doanh, cực kỳ ấn tượng.
Đặc biệt lưu ý là trong sách có vài đoạn rất ám ảnh, một trong số đó tớ cảm thấy rợn người khi đọc đó là cảnh cưỡng hiếp một phụ nữ được miêu tả rất trần trụi và man rợ. Cảm giác khi đọc đến đoạn này cực bức bối và khó chịu bởi cảnh đó quá khủng khiếp, tưởng tượng thôi đã thấy gai người rồi.
Bên cạnh đó xét về tuyến nhân vật, phải nói là tớ thích cách xây dựng nhân vật anh rich kid William trong câu chuyện hơn, cảm giác anh đúng là một quý ông và xử lý tình huống cực kỳ khéo léo, đúng chuẩn có tố chất làm sếp ngay từ thuở lọt lòng. Ấn tượng nhất là màn anh chàng cầu hôn với người yêu trong Hai Số Phận, đỉnh cao của sự gọn gàng đánh nhanh thắng nhanh. Còn cách xử sự của Abel có hơi thiếu tế nhị, và đôi lúc thấy nhân vật này quá nóng vội và luôn bị lòng căm phẫn thống trị lấy phần người, tuy nhiên cũng phải thông cảm cho Abel vì suy cho cùng, sự hận thù cũng chính là nguồn sống nuôi dưỡng anh từ khi mới sinh ra cho đến gần hết cuộc đời.
Thêm nữa, cách mà tác giả làm cho số phận William và Abel giao nhau cũng rất hay. Tớ không hề đoán trước được mạch truyện đi đến đâu, để đến cuối cùng cũng phải ngỡ ngàng, ồ à á à a, hoá ra là thế. Đoạn gần cuối truyện cũng làm tớ liên tưởng tới Romeo & Juliette, nhưng (chắc là) happy ending theo một cách nào đó =))
Tớ không khoái hardcover nên quyết định rước bản paperback của Huy Hoàng về, cũng thấp thỏm vì thấy nhiều bạn bảo bị bung gáy mà số may không dính. Dịch khá ổn, tuy nhiên vẫn còn vài ba lỗi đánh máy mà không vấn đề. Vì tớ không thích chủ đề chính trị hay thị trường chứng khoán nên đọc nhiều lúc buồn ngủ ghê, nhưng mấy bạn thích chủ đề này thì highly recommend Hai Số Phận nhé, rất đáng đọc đó.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
This is the best fiction I have read so far.
What a brilliant and terrific story.
The story is so well told and captivating that it made me cried out a little.
It has got everything- mystery, thriller, history, romance- you name it and its there.
It has two parallel tales. And I am moved by both Abel and Kane- how different yet same they are. Hard working, adamant and carrying no give up attitude.
I idolized how both the characters evolved with time. Very alluring indeed, especially Kane Williams! 😉
Also, the story really took me on the world tour.
I relished reading how world war affected both Rich and poor class, how banks were dealing with the great depression, those board meetings, selling shares, losing profits, Oh that pressure! I literally felt it - mainly how Abel and Kane tried to sustain in the great slump.
However, I hate myself for anticipating the scenario between their kids well in advance. Damn me!
Overall, this book is so wondrous and marvellous that it will certainly make you feel as if you've lived both Abel's and Kane's lives.
Rating- 4.9/5
What a brilliant and terrific story.
The story is so well told and captivating that it made me cried out a little.
It has got everything- mystery, thriller, history, romance- you name it and its there.
It has two parallel tales. And I am moved by both Abel and Kane- how different yet same they are. Hard working, adamant and carrying no give up attitude.
I idolized how both the characters evolved with time. Very alluring indeed, especially Kane Williams! 😉
Also, the story really took me on the world tour.
I relished reading how world war affected both Rich and poor class, how banks were dealing with the great depression, those board meetings, selling shares, losing profits, Oh that pressure! I literally felt it - mainly how Abel and Kane tried to sustain in the great slump.
However, I hate myself for anticipating the scenario between their kids well in advance. Damn me!
Overall, this book is so wondrous and marvellous that it will certainly make you feel as if you've lived both Abel's and Kane's lives.
Rating- 4.9/5
August 8, 2018
The story is well written, the details are good, the two main characters and their life journeys are impressive enough to keep me reading. However, the secondary characters aren't all that great. And this story also doesn't give us any motto outside of "with enough wits and constant hard work, you can get rich in America!" and I'm like...'what?'
Still...I will read more of this author's works when I have time.
Still...I will read more of this author's works when I have time.
April 27, 2021
This books main success is that even though the two characters come from completely different backgrounds, they are essentially the same at heart and at no point in the book do you feel either of the characters have become a better person than the other. There are times when Kane and Abel each act in an underhand or despicable way, but they also redeem themselves continuously so that you never feel that either one is to blame for the feud between them, more that it was all just a matter of circumstance. I have never read a Jeffrey Archer novel before and I was pleasantly surprised to find a story so compelling I struggled to put it down and it touched on subjects I have not read before in a book. A thoroughly good read.
February 9, 2017
Archer's Criminal Trial for Perjury (from Wikipedia)
"On 26 September 2000, Archer was charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice during the 1987 libel trial. The perjury trial began on 30 May 2001, a month after Monica Coghlan's death in a road traffic accident.
On 19 July 2001, Archer was found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at the 1987 trial.
Prominent journalists admitted to having accepted Archer's 'hospitality' after he was convicted"
"On 26 September 2000, Archer was charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice during the 1987 libel trial. The perjury trial began on 30 May 2001, a month after Monica Coghlan's death in a road traffic accident.
On 19 July 2001, Archer was found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at the 1987 trial.
Prominent journalists admitted to having accepted Archer's 'hospitality' after he was convicted"
August 19, 2016
William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski, one the son of a Boston millionaire, the other a penniless Polish immigrant. Two men, born on the same day, on opposite sides of the world, their paths destined to cross in their ruthless struggle to build a fortune.
Look, I'll be honest. This is not a book I'd have picked up on my own, but it was chosen by a member of my book club. It was this or Captain Corelli's Mandolin and I voted for the one that wasn't a Nicolas Cage movie. Also, Kane and Abel sounded slightly more interesting. I mean, look at that blurb! While it's outside of what normally piques my interest, it does sound like it could be gripping.
In reality, I only finished it because I feel it is my responsibility to finish any book chosen for book club, and also because it would be hypocritical of me to not do so since I've told members in the past that they can't come to meetings if they haven't read the books. By the end of Kane and Abel, I was furiously hate-reading ... reading it quickly because of how much I hated the book and the characters and just wanted to finish the damn thing! I had three main problems:
1. The writing is atrocious. I don't understand all the five-star reviews, or why this was on the BBC list of top 100 best-loved novels. "Abel stared at the voice." How does one accomplish that, unless one is tripping balls on hallucinogens? "...he scribbled a quick note in his neat but illegible handwriting." Well, which is it? Neat or illegible? I don't think it can be both. If it can be both, please share an example with me. What I want to know is, where was the editor? Because this writing is bad enough to be distracting to me. It's hard for me to lose myself in a story when the images in my head screech to a halt because the author seemingly used Magnetic Poetry to string together sentences. Was Jeffrey Archer paid by the word, thereby wanting to use an excessive amount of words when less would have sufficed?
2. The treatment of women really got under my skin. It's one thing to read something written 100+ years ago. Men had their place in society, and women theirs. But Kane and Abel was written in the late 70s, and so doesn't get a pass from me. "From the eighth tee Alan hit his ball into a lake directly in front of them, a lake even novice women players managed to clear." *eyeroll* There were also a couple of instances of revenge sex, because why not? Frankly, all the female characters fell into one of two categories: either they were "good" and therefore wifely and/or motherly, or they were "bad" and just there for fucking (including the already-mentioned revenge sex).
3. The coincidences, man. They get more frequent and more implausible as you go. I won't list any here because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone that might be interested in reading this after all. But I found it to be silly and so very obvious, and nothing in the end surprised me. You could see the resolution from a mile away. In fact, you could see everything from a mile away!
If this is the best Jeffrey Archer has to offer, I can say with confidence I won't be reading anything else by him in the future.
Look, I'll be honest. This is not a book I'd have picked up on my own, but it was chosen by a member of my book club. It was this or Captain Corelli's Mandolin and I voted for the one that wasn't a Nicolas Cage movie. Also, Kane and Abel sounded slightly more interesting. I mean, look at that blurb! While it's outside of what normally piques my interest, it does sound like it could be gripping.
In reality, I only finished it because I feel it is my responsibility to finish any book chosen for book club, and also because it would be hypocritical of me to not do so since I've told members in the past that they can't come to meetings if they haven't read the books. By the end of Kane and Abel, I was furiously hate-reading ... reading it quickly because of how much I hated the book and the characters and just wanted to finish the damn thing! I had three main problems:
1. The writing is atrocious. I don't understand all the five-star reviews, or why this was on the BBC list of top 100 best-loved novels. "Abel stared at the voice." How does one accomplish that, unless one is tripping balls on hallucinogens? "...he scribbled a quick note in his neat but illegible handwriting." Well, which is it? Neat or illegible? I don't think it can be both. If it can be both, please share an example with me. What I want to know is, where was the editor? Because this writing is bad enough to be distracting to me. It's hard for me to lose myself in a story when the images in my head screech to a halt because the author seemingly used Magnetic Poetry to string together sentences. Was Jeffrey Archer paid by the word, thereby wanting to use an excessive amount of words when less would have sufficed?
2. The treatment of women really got under my skin. It's one thing to read something written 100+ years ago. Men had their place in society, and women theirs. But Kane and Abel was written in the late 70s, and so doesn't get a pass from me. "From the eighth tee Alan hit his ball into a lake directly in front of them, a lake even novice women players managed to clear." *eyeroll* There were also a couple of instances of revenge sex, because why not? Frankly, all the female characters fell into one of two categories: either they were "good" and therefore wifely and/or motherly, or they were "bad" and just there for fucking (including the already-mentioned revenge sex).
3. The coincidences, man. They get more frequent and more implausible as you go. I won't list any here because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone that might be interested in reading this after all. But I found it to be silly and so very obvious, and nothing in the end surprised me. You could see the resolution from a mile away. In fact, you could see everything from a mile away!
If this is the best Jeffrey Archer has to offer, I can say with confidence I won't be reading anything else by him in the future.
February 22, 2023
I rate the book a 3.5* and here is why it's not higher. The book was written in 1979 and it has aged well but I found the reason for the feud to be rather thin. I knew how it would end and the animosity between the two could have been cleared up rather than going to the bitter and I mean wasted years end. Definitely reminded me of the mini-series of the 1980's. Very entertaining read but frustrating also.
August 27, 2015
With such a clear allusion to the dysfunctional brothers in Genesis, we were intrigued. Would the Able character in Jeffrey Archer’s novel suffer a cruel fate at the hands of his brother? Does the title even refer to a pair of brothers? Does the title even refer to people? Is Jeffery Archer even a real person? These questions plagued us for several months, until finally, we decided to pursue the sensible option and just read the book.
William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski are not brothers. In fact they aren’t even related. Kane was the son of a rich banker while Able was born penniless and parentless (and with only one nipple). Kane was offered every advantage in life while Able was thrown into a Russian labor camp at a young age. Still, it doesn’t take long before the similarities start to bubble to the surface. Driven to build their financial empires, fate soon has both characters set on a collision course that will have you humming (get ready for our big musical number)....
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears.
Its a world of hopes, its a world of fear.
There’s so much that we share,
that its time we're aware.
Its a small world after all.
Kane and Abel was all about the two main characters. They were arrogant, stubborn, greedy, unforgiving, and... real. As a result, they were incredibly interesting. The entire novel was devoted to their lives and while Kane and Abel possess plenty of good traits, it was those listed above that had us clenching our fists and wanting to smite both of them. One chapter you’re rooting for Kane and then the next you’re rooting for Abel. And then the next you’re rooting for neither...
The historical aspects of the novel were also very intriguing. The sinking of the Titanic, WWII, and the US stock market collapse in 1929 all had a profound impact on the character’s lives. Even events like the commercial release of Gone with the Wind and McCarthyism were woven into the story, yet the narrative stayed focused and never bogged down. By the end, we had a deep appreciation for the characters and were sad to finish the last page. Then we stumbled across the sequel... bring it on!
Editor’s Note: Hopefully it’s not too obvious that our main goal of this post is to have "It’s a Small World" stuck in your head for the rest of the day...
William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski are not brothers. In fact they aren’t even related. Kane was the son of a rich banker while Able was born penniless and parentless (and with only one nipple). Kane was offered every advantage in life while Able was thrown into a Russian labor camp at a young age. Still, it doesn’t take long before the similarities start to bubble to the surface. Driven to build their financial empires, fate soon has both characters set on a collision course that will have you humming (get ready for our big musical number)....
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears.
Its a world of hopes, its a world of fear.
There’s so much that we share,
that its time we're aware.
Its a small world after all.
Kane and Abel was all about the two main characters. They were arrogant, stubborn, greedy, unforgiving, and... real. As a result, they were incredibly interesting. The entire novel was devoted to their lives and while Kane and Abel possess plenty of good traits, it was those listed above that had us clenching our fists and wanting to smite both of them. One chapter you’re rooting for Kane and then the next you’re rooting for Abel. And then the next you’re rooting for neither...
The historical aspects of the novel were also very intriguing. The sinking of the Titanic, WWII, and the US stock market collapse in 1929 all had a profound impact on the character’s lives. Even events like the commercial release of Gone with the Wind and McCarthyism were woven into the story, yet the narrative stayed focused and never bogged down. By the end, we had a deep appreciation for the characters and were sad to finish the last page. Then we stumbled across the sequel... bring it on!
Editor’s Note: Hopefully it’s not too obvious that our main goal of this post is to have "It’s a Small World" stuck in your head for the rest of the day...
November 30, 2018
Một cuốn sách quá hay, tính thời gian đọc chắc chỉ 2-3 ngày liền mạch thôi, mỗi lần cầm sách lên mình phải đọc một mạch ít nhất 100 trang vì quá cuốn hút.
Số phận như một trò chơi, trêu đùa hai con người, đưa đẩy họ đến những quyết định mà chính họ không thể lường trước hết kết quả.
Mình thích Kane hơn Abel, dù cả hai đều vô cùng tài năng, nhưng cảm giác Kane độ lượng hơn, trong khi Abel thì quá nhiều thù hận—dù cũng khó trách khi Abel phải trải qua quá nhiều điều kinh khủng.
Rất đáng đọc.
Số phận như một trò chơi, trêu đùa hai con người, đưa đẩy họ đến những quyết định mà chính họ không thể lường trước hết kết quả.
Mình thích Kane hơn Abel, dù cả hai đều vô cùng tài năng, nhưng cảm giác Kane độ lượng hơn, trong khi Abel thì quá nhiều thù hận—dù cũng khó trách khi Abel phải trải qua quá nhiều điều kinh khủng.
Rất đáng đọc.
October 20, 2023
I first read this book over forty years ago. I loved it then. I watched the TV adaptation and think I loved that too but don't recall it very well. It was written in 1979 and stands the test of time. One of the best books I have read, spanning years and continents. Seriously, you will definitely shed a tear at the end.
Jeffrey Archer is still writing and I heard him interviewed on radio last week and it rekindled my interest in his books. He is an engaging chap, a Tory Lord, he comes across as very affable and interesting.
Anyway, back to the book ...
That is the blurb and that should be enough to go on. I won't say more than that. A fantastic tale. I started off reading it on my SCRIBD but HAD TO download it on audible too as I just could not bear to leave the tale when I was driving or walking the dog ...
I was walking the dog while I was finishing it on audible ... thank goodness I was in a wide open space where nobody could see the tears.
They honestly don't write 'em like this any more ... It has everything, history, romance, thriller, a classic ... It is one of the best-selling books in the world (it has sold as many copies as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Gone With The Wind').
I see the following ... "ELEVEN & SONY TO ADAPT THE KANE AND ABEL TRILOGY FOR TV". Might be interesting - maybe I will continue with book 2.
Anyway, this book is ...
Jeffrey Archer is still writing and I heard him interviewed on radio last week and it rekindled my interest in his books. He is an engaging chap, a Tory Lord, he comes across as very affable and interesting.
Anyway, back to the book ...
TWO STRANGERS BORN WORLDS APART. ONE DESTINY THAT WOULD DEFINE THEM BOTH...
William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski, one the son of a Boston millionaire, the other a penniless Polish immigrant—born on the same day near the turn of the century on opposite sides of the world—are brought together by fate and the quest of a dream.
Two men—ambitious, powerful, ruthless—are locked in a relentless struggle to build an empire, fueled by their all-consuming hatred. Over sixty 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.
That is the blurb and that should be enough to go on. I won't say more than that. A fantastic tale. I started off reading it on my SCRIBD but HAD TO download it on audible too as I just could not bear to leave the tale when I was driving or walking the dog ...
Never seek the wind in the field ... it is useless to try and find what is gone.
I was walking the dog while I was finishing it on audible ... thank goodness I was in a wide open space where nobody could see the tears.
They honestly don't write 'em like this any more ... It has everything, history, romance, thriller, a classic ... It is one of the best-selling books in the world (it has sold as many copies as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Gone With The Wind').
I see the following ... "ELEVEN & SONY TO ADAPT THE KANE AND ABEL TRILOGY FOR TV". Might be interesting - maybe I will continue with book 2.
Anyway, this book is ...
October 26, 2012
Gold fever. We all know the phenomenon; an obsession, a never-ending fascination and a desperate need for more. As I read this book I experienced something similar; reading fever.
When I first began reading this book, I simply couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop. It wasn't even possible. With an almost destructive greed I had to read on, to keep turning the thin pages - and when I finally reached the end, and there were no more pages to turn, I felt completely empty, saddened by the fact, that the book had run out of words. It's been a long time since I've felt this way.
Usually I'm always focusing on a beautiful languages with mesmerizing metaphors and beautiful sentences. This book however does not contain any of those factors; the writing style is simple, there is hardly any use of adjectives or long passages of descriptions, which I normally hold so dear. However I loved it just as much. Perhaps even more. 'Cause it turns out that sometimes a good story with a beautiful message is more than enough.
I may have finished reading this book; but I am not at all done with it. This is one of those rare books I will keep with me forever. In my heart and in the back of my mind.
When I first began reading this book, I simply couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop. It wasn't even possible. With an almost destructive greed I had to read on, to keep turning the thin pages - and when I finally reached the end, and there were no more pages to turn, I felt completely empty, saddened by the fact, that the book had run out of words. It's been a long time since I've felt this way.
Usually I'm always focusing on a beautiful languages with mesmerizing metaphors and beautiful sentences. This book however does not contain any of those factors; the writing style is simple, there is hardly any use of adjectives or long passages of descriptions, which I normally hold so dear. However I loved it just as much. Perhaps even more. 'Cause it turns out that sometimes a good story with a beautiful message is more than enough.
I may have finished reading this book; but I am not at all done with it. This is one of those rare books I will keep with me forever. In my heart and in the back of my mind.
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