What did I think of this novel? In a simple line- a perfect entertainer. No, it certainly isn't one of Jeffrey Archer's best novels. No, it isn't as classy as "Kane and Abel". No, it isn't without its flaws. But, unless you are an avid hater of drama-thrillers, I can assure you, you will find it very difficult to keep this book down. Twins separated at birth, brought up in different levels of the society, two best friends for life. Quite the predictable story line, especially if you have read Kane and Abel. Education, love, breakup, war- you know the usual ingredients for a thriller drama set in the mid 1900's, USA. As a fellow reader mentioned, till atleast the first quarter of the book, you could easily pull it of as a teenage drama, than anything else. They do not really lead very similar lives, except for a common enemy in Ralph Elliott, and until the final quarter of the book when they ACTUALLY enter each others lives. The statesman that he was, Archer had put in a fine share of politics into this novel, which I do believe enriches it. Nat Cartwright is not the most successful person on this planet. And perhaps, to make up for that realistic thought, Fletcher Andrew Davenport has the most perfect life. While the resemblance that the plots holds to Kane and Abel is uncanny, there is a significant difference as the story progresses. Tom and Jimmy are the perfect side role characters, and the loyalty and sense of humor these men show during the different phrases of their respective best friends lives, is indeed memorable. One cannot also, help but be pleased when the twins partner up, and that one incident, according to me, creates the most predictable yet sublime part of the book.I believe that the best character of them all would be Ralph Eliott. Jeffery Archer has, hands down, been able to create such a detestable character, that you would undoubtedly be part of the large margin, that would have chosen to kill him, if they had the choice. His iniquitous and immoral conducts through out the story, manage to carve out a peerless villain, and sadistic scumbag, well worthy of whatever fate had in store for him. Like, I previously mentioned, the book is not without its flaws. It lacks emotion and a pragmatic conduct during some crucial parts, and they certainly impact the flow of the book. Certain ideas, or story lines, have ended rather abruptly, for reasons best known to Archer only. While it can make up to be a great fictitious book, there is little, very little, that you can claim to have learned or achieved from this book. However, as the fourth novel of Jeffery Archer that I have read, I would have to admit, that this book has helped me continue o be a huge fan of the "master storyteller", only with the sincere hope, that he chooses an less predictable plot.
Read on blog!!This book like all other Jeffrey Archer books is great. The start of the book reminded me of his book The Fourth Estate (A book review that I have already done) but as you go on reading you will realise that it's nothing like that book at all. The story is set in the time between the 1940's and the end of the twentieth century. They have a common rival Elliot, who in my opinion is a total jerk (which is obviously what the author wanted us to feel). There is intense rivalry at different parts with different people which makes the book all the more interesting. Fletcher and Nat's devoted love towards their wife and child is adorable, which leads to the small intense action between one of the main characters and the rival (I am not telling who) which is awesome and as I was reading the action part I was rooting for the protagonist to punch the heck out of the other person.The court proceedings for a murder (mentioned in summary) is very interesting, no doubt due to the authors history in Her Majesty's prison. The reason why the twins were not instantly pointed out when they both stand for election is revealed just before the ending. The revealing of the birth secret of the twins is so nerve-wreckingly cool (It's a word that I just made up) that I almost peed my pants reading it.If truth be told, I stopped reading the book from the second last chapter because I was scared that it was going to be finally over which was obviously something that I would not be able to handle. But curiosity took the better of me and I was back to reading the book after a couple of hours of grieving.The ending is fantastic. Jeffrey Archer has a way of putting everything into place in the most awesomest ways. I am warning you though, read the ending carefully twice or thrice to get it right. At first you might think something else but if you read it again carefully you will attain the right answer.I rate it 4.5 for its beautiful way of portraying things and also because I am a full on hater of racists and it seems like the author is too. Woohoo!Lots of love and pasta,Raven
Do You like book Sons Of Fortune (2003)?
This was a good book. It kept me interested, it kept me waiting for the moment when they realized they were twins separated. I was really disappointed with their lack of reaction to the news. They just sorta shrug and say cool and move on. A bizarre non-reaction in my mind. Otherwise, great story - when Nat's son hangs himself I actually almost cried which is a lot for me from a book.
—Courtney
I had heard some great things about Jeffrey Archer and picked this book up at a book sale. I was disappointed. Not in the writing style, but this book was full of politics and business intrigue, not really my cup of tea. I did read it through, it is a long read, as I wanted to find out about the two brothers separated at birth. I can say that the book is a good representation of the changes in American society. It chronicles the 60's-80's and how colleges and average Americans came to accept so many things that I feel have weakened our nation and society. This book is intended for adults, there is several sexual references, nothing explicit, including abortion. I probably will not be reading more by this author. I give it two stars, it was "ok". The writing was good, just too much, and too dry for me.
—Jodi Woody
I don't believe I've read any other books by this author. So, I think went into it with an open mind. However, I found this book terribly disappointing. I think most of it was because I didn't hit that point where disbelief is suspended and I could just enjoy the story.My quibbles with this book:- Switched back and forth between the two main characters so often I thought it was confusing.- The whole twins thing in the plot seemed almost irrelevant other than a means to make us think both characters were important.- The dialog was just plain odd. Perhaps it's the people I hang out with, but it didn't seem realistic to me at all.
—Byron Wright
