The Prodigal Daughter

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The Prodigal Daughter cover art

The Prodigal Daughter is a novel by Jeffrey Archer. It is the story of Florentyna Kane, the daughter of the protagonist of Archer's Kane and Abel. The novel, one of Archer's best-sellers, portrays Florentyna's life from early childhood to her final ascension to the position of President of United States. In this way, President Kane becomes the first female U.S. president.

The character of Florentyna Kane also appears in Shall We Tell the President? by Archer. This book initially featured President Ted Kennedy, but following the success of Kane and Abel and The Prodigal Daughter, the character was changed to President Kane in later editions.

[edit] Plot summary

The story begins by introducing Kane and Abel's past and the feud between them. It then tells the story of Kane and Abel from the perspective of their children, Florentyna Rosnovski and Richard Kane. Their childhood, and all the incidents and people who affected them, are portrayed in a similar manner as their fathers' lives were told in Kane and Abel. Richard and Florentyna meet by sheer chance and fall in love. When their parents are told, both react explosively; Abel goes so far as to slap the daughter he had raised with such affection. The two lovers run away the same day to a friend's house in another city.

Later, the two create a chain of stores named Florentyna's, which are a huge success. Abel helps his daughter anonymously, but refuses to accept his son-in-law. The tale takes a twist with Kane's death, after which Abel's remorse leads him to accept Richard and his grandchildren. Ironically, he comes to consider it an honor that his grandson is named William Abel Kane.

Richard and Florentyna take charge of the Baron Hotels, with Florentyna as chairwoman, and then in a daring feat take over Lester's (Kane's Bank).

Eventually Florentyna takes up politics due to the persuasion of a childhood friend named Edward Winchester. Florentyna's career becomes central to the plot, as she attempts to deal with the problems a very busy and successful mother faces. Including the fact that her daughter has an abortion and smokes marijuana in the mid 1970's. However, her career takes a back seat when Richard dies in a car crash in 1985. For some time Florentyna loses the will to pursue anything, even her career. Then suddenly, seeing a homeless Vietnam Vet makes her come "back with a vengeance." Working harder than ever, she comes very near her goal of becoming the first female President.

For the good of the party, she strikes a deal with her opponent to support him if he promises not to run for a second term, and if he makes her his vice presidential candidate. During the term, Florentyna stops many a crisis for which the President takes full credit, but at the end of his term he reneges on his promises; it seems as though Florentyna's dream will never become a reality. Disgusted with the situation, she leaves Washington. While she is playing golf and discussing what to do with her life as her son William is now President of Lester, with Edward, Secret Service agents arrive to announce the President's sudden death of a heart attack. Florentyna thus becomes the President, and soon after she marries Edward.