Once We Were Brothers: A Novel (Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart Book 1)

Historical fiction at it's best. I couldn't put this book down. Ben's story was so moving and really took you back on how horrible life became for the Jews in Europe. This novel was full of tears, hope and inspiration. Good vs. Evil. A great read.

Mr Balson certainly knows the legal profession. He did his research on both the history of WW2 in Poland and the efforts that Catherine, Liam, and Ben would have to maneuver to catch a Nazi crook. Well done!

I liked the quality of the product, and how fast it got here. The book was a gift for someone, they enjoyed it. Thanks Again.

I was caught up in Ben's story from the beginning. A walk through a historical nightmare with characters who captured my heart and kept me cheering for the good guys. A must read!!

ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS REVIEWAttorney and author Ronald H. Balson’s highly acclaimed first novel, “Once We Were Brothers,” published in 2010, is my second read from this tremendous writer. I recently gave a 5-star review to newly released “Saving Sophie” and was so impressed I had to read his earlier work. His research and knowledge of his subject matter shines brightly in a dark story about the familiar subject of the holocaust with a unique twist.Elliot Rosenweig is a highly respected Chicago businessman and philanthropist. At a large fund raising event he gets accosted by an irate Jew, Ben Solomon, who points an empty Lugar at his head and accuses him of being a Nazi war criminal named Otto Piatek who needs to answer for his crimes. The city is aghast that a popular citizen would be accused of such activities. Rosenweig denies being Piatek, claims a mistake has been made, and refuses to press charges because the distressed old man was confused.Solomon claims that he and Rosenweig were raised in Poland by the same Jewish family, that Rosenweig, whose real name is Otto Piatek, was abandoned by his parents, that they became like brothers, and that when the Nazis invaded, Piatek’s father and mother, having become high ranking party members, reclaimed Otto and installed him in the hierarchy of the Nazi army. As the purge against Poland escalated, Piatek became a vicious enforcer of Jewish persecution, sending many to their deaths. Solomon also claims that Piatek betrayed his family and stole its wealth, along with that of many other Jews, and eventually was responsible for their deaths. His rants are largely turned aside by authorities as misdirected.Attorney Catherine Lockhart is Solomon’s choice to carry out his crusade against Piatek. He is persistent and she is reluctant. In the beginning she does not see any provable truth to Solomon’s claims and her employer doesn’t want her or her law firm to be involved. But as she learns more of his story, a story that Balson masterfully unfolds, her feisty nature and sense of compassion begins to embrace both the old man and the truth as he tells it. Eventually she adds her voice to the controversy, is dismissed by her employer, and fights to uncover the truth. Righteous claims seem to come from both sides; however only one is the truth and Lockhart is focused on bringing it to light.Balson is crystal clear with his narrative. His characterizations are magnificent. The storyline is mesmerizing and the legal wrangling is engrossing. It is a fascinating legal thriller that grabs the reader’s attention. This is a truly great book that must not be missed.Schuyler T WallaceAuthor of TIN LIZARD TALES

Growing up during and immediately following WW2 and with several members of my immediate family involved in the war in Europe, I eventually came to know and understand much of what took place in that theater of the war. While written as a novel nevertheless this story captures quite accurately the savage details of the Nazi effort to annihilate the Jewish population in Europe. The actor who narrates the part of the principle character, Ben Soloman, does an excellent job of dramatizing his experiences as a victim of that program. There were quite literally millions of stories of this nature that took place in that evil effort by a deranged leader, Adolph Hitler, and his unbelievably cruel and sadistic followers. Thanks to authors like Mr Balsun many of these incredible stories are being told and must be preserved as a reminder of what can take place when a deranged leader and his followers gain power.

Fantastic book. Great story of survival, determination, and the importance of self belief. Would recommend for anyone with an interest in the Holocaust.

Nothing tremendously creative. Very stock characters and story telling. Language is average at best. Unless you haven’t read a legal thriller identity a secret nazi in the Midwest this is nothing new

Great book

Excellent!!Full of historyAmazing how the author drive you through the history.Can’t miss this book a a a

An excellent plot. The story in Poland was compelling. The action in present day Chicago was less,interesting and the dialogue was painfully weak. Found myself skipping pages whenever Liam and Catherine spoke to one another. For al these reasons a page turner.

Not the greatest book I’ve read, but it certainly captured my interest and the horrors of war. A few tears were shed at the end.

Espectacular libro! Lo recomiendo ampliamente