Genre: Historical Fiction
Trope: 1937 – 1942
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 3.29.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Summary:
“In 1937 in the snowbound city of Kiev (now known as Kyiv), wry and bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son–but Hitler’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself from studious girl to deadly sniper–a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour.
Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated and lonely in the glittering world of Washington, DC–until an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an even more unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. But when an old enemy from Mila’s past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons and enemy bullets in the deadliest duel of her life.”
Review:
“Snipers must make themselves calm in order to succeed, and that is why women are good at sharpshooting. Because there is not a woman alive who has not learned how to eat rage in order to appear calm.”
I haven’t read a Kate Quinn book since I finished The Huntress in 2019. But, after finishing The Diamond Eye, I have bumped Rose Code to the very top of my reading list. Because, let’s face it, Kate Quinn is a sensational author who always manages to ensnare me in her story, making me forget where I am. The amount of research she puts into her books, ensuring that she represents the people, time, and area to her best ability, is mind-blowing.
The Diamond Eye is almost 500 pages, but it is a quick read. I decided to listen to the audio of this book, and I’m so glad I did. It made the experience of reading this book feel so real. The narrator was outstanding, and I loved hearing the proper way to pronounce specific terms.
The Diamond Eye was about women in war and how their experience was just as hellacious. There are a few love stories intertwined, but at the heart of the story, it was Mila, her bravery and tenacious spirit. I cheered Mila on from the very first page. I also loved the added relationship between Mila and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (and it was based on a true story).
👩🏽💼Women in war
💯 Audiobook
🤐 “Official” & “Unofficial” Memoir
💞 Love stories intertwined
❗️ Read that author’s note
I recommend you read the The Diamond Eye if you’ve enjoyed any of Kate Quinn’s previous books or if you enjoyed reading The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel.
BOOK INFO
Format: 435 pages, Paperback
Published: March 2022 by William Morrow
ISBN 9780062943514 (ISBN10: 0062943510)
The Bookend Diner 