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laheath's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual content
katekatiekait's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, Gun violence, Adult/minor relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Grief, Blood, Gore, and War
Moderate: Sexism and Alcohol
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
maralaene's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I bought this book before reading anything about it simply on the premise that it was a brilliant bookish girl who defied all stereotypes and became one of the most notorious snipers in WWII. And it did not disappoint. Each of Mila’s roles as a student, as a soldier, as a mother, as a lover and a friend were beautifully written. I loved her from the very start. There were so many points where I laughed out loud and felt like screaming at this book, but no matter what it was nearly impossible to put down.
I have a soft spot for WWII historical fiction, especially for the books that tell the story of lesser known yet iconic characters in the war effort. Quinn has captured the essence of this woman and created a beautiful story to fit. Kitsenko, Kostia, Lena, and so many more were such a fantastic cast of characters and only served to make it that much more. This is definitely a top read of the year and I can’t wait for more.
Even if historical fiction isn’t usually your thing, please pick this up! I promise you won’t regret it.
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, War, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
smkelly1997's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Gore, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Adult/minor relationship, Medical content, Violence, War, Abandonment, Death, and Gaslighting
This was a good book not a great one! I would say the story is fascinating and I am sad I have never heard of this character beforeerinnz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Gore
katiejohns's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Graphic: War
whitneys_bookstack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: War
Minor: Sexual assault and Adult/minor relationship
bandysbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of my favorite things in the historical fiction genre is when an author takes an obscure piece of history and explores it in great detail. This is exactly what this book does. The book centers on Mila, who at the beginning is a young, single mother, dealing with a gaslighting ex, dreaming of getting an education, and trying to figure out how to be the best role-model for her eight year old son. She's still trying to find herself, but decides to become an expert marksmen after her ex accuses her of being incapable of being tough enough to raise a son. When WW2 comes to the Russian front, she finds herself at war and eventually becomes the most deadly female sniper in history. PERIOD. You would think this would make her hard to relate to, but I found her to be so realistic and easy to understand. Her motivations are always clear and her responses to things felt correct.
Minor Spoiler - Will not ruin the ending or entire story, but is a part of the plot progression.
Eventually, Mila is removed from the war front and sent to the USA on a tour of Russian war heroes to drum up support for America to join the European front to the war. I had no idea that this ever happened, but after a quick google search found it to be true...even the part about Mila's friendship with the First Lady. It was infuriating seeing how the American media treated Mila, but also completely realistic. I imagine that even in this day and age, they would be just as intrusive and condescending.
All in all, I think this book was remarkably good. The character is so rich and real. The plot and settings come to life. And best of all, I learned about a piece of history that I was unaware of. I'll be continuing my research into it further because it was so fascinating. I will definitely be reading more of Kate Quinn's writing in the future.
Graphic: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, War, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
booksbroadwaybubbly's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Gun violence, War, and Death
Moderate: Blood and Sexism
booksandlemonade's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Medical content, Gun violence, War, and Death
Moderate: Cursing