Once We Were Brothers: A Novel

Written by Ronald H. Balson

Narrated by Fred Berman

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

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Nov 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781427244093

Ronald H. Balson

RONALD H. BALSON is an attorney, professor, and writer. His novel The Girl From Berlin won the National Jewish Book Award and was the Illinois Reading Council's adult fiction selection for their Illinois Reads program. He is also the author of Defending Britta Stein, Eli’s Promise, Karolina's Twins, The Trust, Saving Sophie, and the international bestseller Once We Were Brothers. He has appeared on many television and radio programs and has lectured nationally and internationally on his writing. He lives in Chicago.

Reviews for Once We Were Brothers

[jessibud2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fictional story, but based on true history. This story was gripping from beginning to end.

[Amy Homan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

2nd book I've listened to by this author! Wow suspenseful! Stayed up all night listening! A++++

[Ernest Gonzalez · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

longer than expected for no reason. decent story worth it

[Craig Bradshaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sensational book loved it and the characters were great

[Mary Nichter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once we were brothers is the best book I’ve listened to in a long time!! Excellent!

[Carole Gregson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narrator was excellent! He brought the story to life in the most beautiful way. It was compelling listening, every page, every chapter.
I will definitely keep reading this author. His sensitivity to his characters, his storytelling for me has an authentic grace and honour.

[michael · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story and fantastic narration. Thoroughly enjoyable. Looking forward to others from same author.