Firstly, I'm no critic and i don't plan to write a critique.[:D]
Brilliant! Few words could describe such fluidity and ease with which the author wields the mighty pen. Such was the pleasure reading the book that i was totally absorbed by the characters and their lives. So very engaging was the plot and so brilliantly was it narrated that it all seemed so real.
The characters were so remarkably brought out that i almost lived and entire 65 years in just a few days time. I fought two world wars, build up an empire, ran a bank,made love and produced offspring capable of holding up my name. It was a roller coaster ride through the entire period and had to be one of the best reads I've ever had. People,characters have always interested me and i couldn't have found a better book to dwell into the minds of two different characters uncannily similar in some respects,hunger for success and hatred for each other.
Abels story of struggle during his childhood attracted me more towards his character. I liked how gallantly he fought his way past the Russians and finally made a place for himself. But as time went by i found myself liking William's character more and more. Maybe his successful love life and meticulous manner of dealing with things attracted me. Both were ambitious and proud nevertheless. Their strong will and clarity of thought impressed me as did their prudence and decision making.Their feud sounds more analogous to an unstoppable force meeting and immovable object.
I didn't like the way Abel treated Zaphia, how i wished both lived ever so happily. I was also disappointed when William and Abel shut out each other when either of them tried to make amends to their relation (well,I've no right to get disappointed as this is the heart of the whole plot,;)).Hmm... That's life and nothing is perfect. But as Mr.Shakespeare says,"All's well that ends well" The novel was a remarkable read and fully recommended.
