61 pages • 2 hours read
Once We Were Brothers
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary
2010
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Once We Were Brothers is a Jewish historical fiction novel and legal thriller that follows Ben Solomon, a Holocaust survivor in Chicago, who accuses philanthropist Elliot Rosenzweig of being Otto Piatek, a former Nazi officer who betrayed Ben's family during World War II; the story delves into their past in Nazi-occupied Poland and the subsequent legal battle to uncover the truth. The novel addresses themes of the Holocaust, war crimes, and the long-lasting impacts of wartime trauma.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
65,187 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson is celebrated for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, effectively portraying the complexities of loyalty and betrayal. Critics praise its historical accuracy and compelling court drama. However, some note that the prose can be overly simplistic and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Once We Were Brothers ?
A reader who enjoys Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson is likely captivated by historical fiction centered on World War II, filled with mystery and complex human relationships. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find this novel's exploration of war-torn loyalties and redemption compelling.
65,187 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary
2010
Adult
16+ years
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