A moving war novel set in Ukraine

Submitted: 16th April 2022

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

In the snowbound city of Kiev, aspiring historian Mila Pavlichenko’s life revolves around her young son – until Hitler’s invasion of Russia changes everything. Suddenly, she and her friends must take up arms to save their country from the Fuhrer’s destruction.

Now this is a book that couldn’t be more relevant sadly…

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Boarding Pass Information :The Diamond Eye

Destination : Ukraine

Author guide: Kate Quinn

Genre: historical

Food and drink to accompany: Kholodet or Borsch.

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BookTrail Travel to the locations in The Diamond Eye

This is a good example of when a book finds you and you are pleased that you read it when you did. It couldn’t be more pertinent and relevant to be honest. The story centres around Lyudmila Pavlichenko who was a real life female sniper during the second world war – a Russian sniper.

She was apparently credited with 309 confirmed deaths, making her the most successful female sniper in recorded history and given the name “Lady Death” for her ability with a sniper . Imagine my shock when I read this and how I felt reading it given the horrific events going on in that part of the world now. I felt it was important to read it however and I am so glad I did.

BookTrail Travel to the locations in The Diamond Eye

This is a good mix of fact and fiction although I did have trouble reading some parts, again given the current situation as it just felt too raw and close to home. However, the research about snipers and the role of female ones at that was well done. There was a lot of information about the guns and ammunition though that I didn’t feel was always necessary but the scene setting was strong and very raw.

I enjoyed the historical setting and the storyline of the relationship between Mila & Eleanor Roosevelt was particularly interesting. It was hard to feel much sympathy for this woman but the story is written so well that you do see things from her viewpoint and it’s very well done in this regard. Mila was human after all and wanted to do the right thing by her young son. She didn’t want the Germans to win and so fought to the death.