Once We Were Brothers: A Novel

Ronald H. Balson

Oct 2013 · Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

The gripping tale about two boys, once as close as brothers, who find themselves on opposite sides of the Holocaust.

"A novel of survival, justice and redemption...riveting." —Chicago Tribune, on Once We Were Brothers

Elliot Rosenzweig, a respected civic leader and wealthy philanthropist, is attending a fundraiser when he is suddenly accosted and accused of being a former Nazi SS officer named Otto Piatek, the Butcher of Zamosc. Although the charges are denounced as preposterous, his accuser is convinced he is right and engages attorney Catherine Lockhart to bring Rosenzweig to justice. Solomon persuades attorney Catherine Lockhart to take his case, revealing that the true Piatek was abandoned as a child and raised by Solomon's own family only to betray them during the Nazi occupation. But has Solomon accused the right man?

Once We Were Brothers is Ronald H. Balson's compelling tale of two boys and a family who struggle to survive in war-torn Poland, and a young love that struggles to endure the unspeakable cruelty of the Holocaust. Two lives, two worlds, and sixty years converge in an explosive race to redemption that makes for a moving and powerful tale of love, survival, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit.

Ratings and reviews

What an outstanding novel. I loved this book beyond belief. I'm just in awe. I laughed I cried, I was angry, I felt so much emotion in this book. Ronald Balson pulls you into the story so well you're entranced by his words. The story from beginning to end made me feel like I was there witnessing the story unfold. I read "Karolinas twins" first and that book in itself was such an amazing story I wanted to read every one of Balson's books. So I just finished this one and I'm nothing but amazed at this man's ability to write a novel. Now, I've read countless books, in many genres, but WWII historical fiction is my favorite and Balson has made the top of my list in best authors. I've read so many books but Mr.Balson sir you are amazing and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your novels and I've already got the new one on preorder!! Thanks for the amazing read.

I lack the words to describe all the emotions that this book gave me. It was written so well and the more I read the deeper I was entranced. I've been a voracious reader for 40 years and I rarely give five stars. This book wrote its name on my heart. Well done Ronald Balson !

A refreshing perspective in the lives of individuals during the war. The characters were well constructed and I felt drawn into the book. I loved the fast pace and story line. Can definitely recommend it

About the author

RONALD H. BALSON is a Chicago trial attorney, an educator and a writer. His practice has taken him to several international venues, including villages in Poland that inspired his first novel, Once We Were Brothers.