Reviews

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

jenreadsbooks4fun's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

heather_boo's review against another edition

5.0

Kate Quinn brings the WWII Russian front to life through the real life events of Ukrainian sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko, “Lady Death.” This is historical fiction at its finest. It’s gripping with true events experienced by a rare female marksman, which includes the actual frontline of the war and her private battles. According to the final author’s note a great deal of the story comes straight from Mila’s memoirs. It’s easy to feel this is fiction as it so distant from our daily comforts taken for granted, but this was her life experience! You will have nothing but respect and wonder not only for Mila, but all the other women who stepped up to serve the USSR.

dale_in_va's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Kate Quinn continues to inform and entertain despite my dislike of WWII stories.  I read this for a book club, but couldn't help but get engrossed into the story and the characters.  In the afterwards, she discusses where she followed the memoirs of the main character and where she took liberty.  She does a good job of telling a historical truth, but embellishing it to make it a compelling novel and fiction.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Violence, Murder, and Misogyny

Moderate: Sexual harassment

Minor: Sexual content

some good links regarding the real Lyudmila Pavlichenko, I think the Drunk history one is worth watching. One link is a reel of her speech in NYC. https://youtu.be/jDO6n7GuslA?si=ARzETWtBeJ3hAwQ5 https://youtu.be/Bqi396loWt4?si=drzQDXx8a6EwF0xU https://youtu.be/SHKjOl9ocR0?si=yn5cbDe_KOyEXWSD

vvhiplash's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars.
Middle section went on forever. Found myself not really caring for Mila, found her cold. Eleanor’s notes were a nice touch though.

stevimuck's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

swimreadrepeat's review against another edition

3.0

Love the story, love the amount of research that clearly has gone into this book, and love how the story was told. However I felt that the story could’ve been written much more succinctly which would have allowed for other plot points to garner greater attention and added to the suspense/excitement of the story.

caitieglen's review against another edition

5.0

Quinn’s writing is robust. I loved The Rose Code, and The Diamond Eye just might be better! As someone who loves (and teaches) history, I am always excited to learn more that I can then share with others. Definitely worth the time!

staceofbase13's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• 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

mrosevt16's review against another edition

informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

aylachisholm's review against another edition

adventurous challenging informative inspiring reflective tense slow-paced

3.0