10-12 11-12 12 9-12 Adult Fiction Narrative

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

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Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Kate Quinn
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II Fiction, War, Historical Romance
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: The Diamond Eye
Triggers: War, Murder, Amputation, Violence, Death, Trauma
Review By: Sara Tripp

Publisher’s Summary:

Goodreads Choice Award: Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction (2022)
The New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story.

In 1937 in the snowbound city of 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.

Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever.

Review:

I am a huge Kate Quinn fan! I love that her stories are based on true events. She writes about war from a unique perspective in each of her books, usually focused on a group of women and their experiences. In the Diamond Eye we experience the life of a Russian female sniper. She didn’t have it easy

First things first, let me just say that I am a huge Kate Quinn fan! I really enjoyed of her previous works, and “The Diamond Eye” doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. This book is like a thrilling rollercoaster ride through history, mystery, and adventure.

The story is set in two different time periods, which keeps things interesting. The Russian Empire in the late 19th century and then fast-forward to present-day Russia. The way Quinn seamlessly weaves these two timelines together is pure genius. It’s like time travel without the actual time machine!

The characters are so well-drawn and relatable. I found myself rooting for them, crying with them, and sometimes even shaking my fist at their decisions. I was surprised to learn of Eleanor Roosevelt’s involvement with the main character in the story and in real life.

The historical details in this book are incredibly well-researched. You can tell that Quinn put a lot of effort into making sure the settings and time periods felt authentic. It’s like taking a trip through time and experiencing these moments in history firsthand.

In the end, “The Diamond Eye” is a captivating, page-turning adventure that combines history, mystery, and a touch of romance. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a modern twist, this book is an absolute must-read. I couldn’t put it down, and I bet you won’t be able to either.

Another Kate Quinn novel to check out!

Classroom & Curricular Connections:

  • ELA / Social Studies / World History:
    • This novel offers an engaging entry point into World War II history, women’s roles in combat, and the experiences of civilians and soldiers on the Eastern Front. Students can examine the relationship between historical fact and fictional storytelling.
  • Extension Activity / Library Application:
    • Students can research Lyudmila Pavlichenko, the real-life sniper who inspired the novel, and compare historical sources to Quinn’s interpretation. The book also pairs well with independent reading projects focused on influential women in history.
  • Diversity & Representation:
    • The novel highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II and introduces readers to Ukrainian and Soviet wartime experiences that are not commonly featured in traditional history curricula.

Readalikes:

  • The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
  • The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
  • Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
  • The Huntress by Kate Quinn
  • The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester

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