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Defending Britta Stein

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

One of Newsweek's 20 New Books to Cozy Up With this Fall

Defending Britta Stein
is a story of bravery, betrayal, and redemption—from Ronald H. Balson, 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.

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    • Library Journal

      September 1, 2021

      Balson's sixth novel featuring attorney Catherine Lockhart and her private investigator husband Liam Taggert (after The Girl from Berlin) once again concerns events of World War II. In present-day Chicago, Britta Stein (a Danish immigrant and 92-year-old widow) accuses Ole Henryks (another Danish expat, who owns a popular Chicago tavern) of having collaborated with the Nazis, and she graffitis his tavern with the word "traitor." Ole has long claimed that he rescued Jews during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, so he sues Britta for defamation. Catherine enters the picture when Britta's granddaughter Emma, a young attorney, asks her to represent Britta; meanwhile, Ole hires flamboyant publicity hound Sterling Sparks. Catherine, Emma, and Liam need to find direct evidence that proves Britta is telling the truth; her memory of the occupation won't suffice. Both she and Ole are in their 90s, so the case needs to be resolved quickly. Liam takes a trip to Copenhagen to search for evidence, while Catherine and Emma get Britta's story. VERDICT This historical novel highlights a lesser-known aspect of World War II and features strong women characters. A good choice for book clubs.--Barbara Bibel, formerly at Oakland P.L.

      Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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