Once We Were Brothers

By Ronald H. Balson

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250046394
• ISBN13: 9781250046390
• Release Date: October 2013
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Slow in parts but you still need to read

The World War 2 experiences were compelling and deftly told, and the main plot line was interesting. I also really cared about the characters during the war. But, I tired of the lawyer complaining. In literally every chapter, her time was important and her client needed to speed up his story. OK, we get it. There are a few other minor issues with what is ultimately a good book, one that you will be glad you read.

One of the best!

My first time reading a book from this author. This was an excellent read. The story was emotional and had me in tears at certain pages. I couldn’t put it down. The chapters were short and kept me wanting more. Again an excellent read. So happy I found this book.

This story will stay with you.

This is my first experience reading from this author and now I'm going to look for his other books. The story was captivating from the start. The chapters are fairly short, sometimes only a couple of pages. And the story moves quickly with just enough emotional and physical detail to keep the characters straight and individual. I cried a few times through this book, it really drew me in, mind and heart. I am sharing it with others to read but this one I want back.

The best novel I've ever read

If you love WWII History, but prefer historical fiction- this is the book for you. I've never been more enthralled with a read!