Scan barcode
maralaene's review against another edition
- 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
kimveach's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Gore, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcoholism, Blood, Vomit, War, Abandonment, Alcohol, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Suicidal thoughts
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Pedophilia, Gaslighting, Medical content, Racism, Violence, Alcohol, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, War, Abandonment, Cursing, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
carodonahue's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Death, Blood, Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Sexism, and Medical content
sirissacgluten's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Diamond Eye is almost a pseudo-autobiography, an engrossing re-imagining the official (state-sponsored) memoir of Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko. When German troops reach the borders of the USSR, Mila abandons her quiet life as a library research assistant and history student to enlist in the Red Army. The book moves between her time acclimating to the horrors of war as she hones her deadly sharpshooting skills and her subsequent goodwill tour across America.
4/5: I really enjoyed this one; it wasn’t my favorite of Quinn’s (The Rose Code and Mistress of Rome hold that honor), but it was impeccably researched and full of interesting characters. Fans of The Huntress in particular should love The Diamond Eye’s deeper dive into Soviet resistance during the war.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Graphic: War, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Medical content, Death, Violence, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Murder, Gore, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Stalking
Minor: Genocide, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, and Antisemitism