Kane and Able

Kane and Abel, published in 1979 is a one of Jeffrey Archer’s best novel and an international bestseller, set on the theme of the Biblical brothers Cain and Abel. The book narrates the stories of two men born on two sides of the world, having nothing in common except the date of birth. William Kane is a wealthy and powerful banker in Boston whereas Abel Rosnovski is a poor Pole who emigrates to the United States. Though the circumstances vary, both men face tremendous challenges and overcome them by their grit, determination and intelligence. Their paths cross when David Leoroy bequeaths the Richmond group of hotels to Abel before committing suicide, and Abel, finding out that Kane’s back had not backed up David leading to his suicide seeks revenge. Abel builds up a successful hotel chain, and plots to ruin Kane. Abel unknowingly saves Kane’s life in France during World War II, and Abel, after toppling Kane from his own bank finds out that William Kane had backed him all along. He reconciles with his daughter Florentyna and son-in-law, Richard, who is Kane’s son. Florentyna and Richard give their son the middle name ‘Abel’, making his full name William Abel Kane.