Defending Britta Stein, Ronald H. Balson
Defending Britta Stein, Ronald H. Balson
3 Rating(s)
List: $26.99 | Sale: $18.89
Club: $13.49

Defending Britta Stein
A Novel

Author: Ronald H. Balson

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Unabridged: 11 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/07/2021


Synopsis

Defending Britta Stein is a story of bravery, betrayal, and redemption—from the winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

Chicago, 2018: Ole Henryks, a popular restauranteur, is set to be honored by the Danish/American Association for his many civic and charitable contributions. Frequently appearing on local TV, he is well known for his actions in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II—most consider him a hero.

Britta Stein, however, does not. The ninety-year-old Chicago woman levels public accusations against Henryks by spray-painting “Coward,” “Traitor,” “Collaborator,” and “War Criminal” on the walls of his restaurant. Mrs. Stein is ultimately taken into custody and charged with criminal defacement of property. She also becomes the target of a bitter lawsuit filed by Henryks and his son, accusing her of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Attorney Catherine Lockhart, though hesitant at first, agrees to take up Mrs. Stein's defense. With the help of her investigator husband, Liam Taggart, Lockhart must reach back into wartime Denmark and locate evidence that proves Mrs. Stein's innocence. Defending Britta Stein is critically-acclaimed author Ronald H. Balson's thrilling take on a modern day courtroom drama, and a masterful rendition of Denmark’s wartime heroics.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

About 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 The Righteous, An Affair of Spies, 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.

About Gabra Zackman

Gabra Zackman began recording audiobooks when they were called books on tape, and has recorded more than 500, in all genres.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Marilyn (not getting notifications) on August 19, 2021

Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson was a very powerful and captivating novel of historical fiction. I have read and have been quite impressed by all of the books that Ronald H. Balson has written and Defending Britta Stein was no exception. Ronald H. Balson has the immense talent to create v......more

Goodreads review by Karen on December 12, 2024

In today’s world we have witnessed many antisemitic acts towards Jewish people. The hatred and racism against many have been rancid, and it behooves us to pay attention. This book gives us an interesting perspective with character Britta Stern. She is a 92-year-old woman who takes things in her own......more

Goodreads review by Amy on April 24, 2022

Catherine Lockhart and Detective Liam Taggart are back, and now they have a two year old son Ben, (sweet) given Book One of the Once We Were Brothers Series, when they first met. In 2020 I did this series as my series of the year, and followed this couple and author. I really loved every single one o......more

Goodreads review by Skip on April 22, 2022

A Danish restauranteur, Ole Hendryks, is about to be honored by a local association for his civic activities and record as a Danish hero in WWII, rescuing Jews, when a 90-year old woman is arrested for spray-painting epithets on the walls of his restaurant: traitor, liar, Nazi collaborator. and char......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on April 30, 2021

Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson is a great WWII-era historical fiction novel that has mystery, intrigue, suspense, history, and kept me interested from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this novel and the way the narrative played out from a dual-timeline perspective. I enjoyed the slowly......more


Quotes

"This brilliantly imagined novel [is] part courtroom drama, part historical reckoning. Chock-full of finely wrought detail about the war and dashed with suspense and intrigue, it's a must-read for historical fiction buffs." —Newsweek

Praise for Eli's Promise:

"A captivating saga of the Holocaust and its aftermath spanning decades and continents...Balson’s meticulous historical detail, vivid prose and unforgettable characters further solidify his place among the most esteemed writers of historical fiction today." —Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

"A powerful, superbly crafted tale...equal parts heartbreaking and life affirming, with themes that are as relevant today as ever. Eli's Promise is historical fiction at its finest, a riveting page turner that will hook readers from the start." —Jane Healey, bestselling author of The Beantown Girls

"Balson pulls no punches...His story is a five star version of a period of history that proved a horror for those living in it." —Stacy Alesi, BookBitch

"Balson juggles between his three stories effectively, writing with great emotion but without overt melodrama, always aware of the tragic ways in which history repeats itself." —Bill Ott, Booklist

Praise for The Girl from Berlin:
"...dynamic plotting, compelling characters, and back-and-forth between-eras action...an unvarnished testament to the ugly truth." —Library Journal

"A fascinating mystery that will stick with readers for weeks." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Balson never disappoints with his rich, historical thrillers.” —Alyson Richman, bestselling author of The Lost Wife

“A fascinating, fast-paced dual-narrative that I could not put down. It is a heart-wrenching story of survival, hope and, ultimately, redemption that is sure to thrill!” —Jane Healey, author of The Saturday Evening Girls Club