Defending Britta Stein : a novel

Defending Britta Stein A novel

Ronald H. Balson

Book - 2021

"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"--

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Subjects
Historical fiction.
Genres
Historical fiction
Published
New York : St. Martin's Press 2021.
Language
English
Main Author
Ronald H. Balson (author)
Edition
First Edition
Physical Description
pages ; cm
ISBN
9781250274809
Contents unavailable.
Review by Library Journal Review

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.

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