This was the first book by Kate Quinn I have read, and it was beautiful. This historical fiction brought to life the true story of Lyudmila ‘Mila’ Pavlichenko, a Soviet Russian sniper from World War II. Mila experienced the challenges of becoming a young mother at 15 and living through a world war. Yet, her fierce and loyal nature became a force to be reckoned with as she developed into one of Russia’s deadliest snipers.

Quinn provides detailed recounts of her early life and the events that turned this quiet, studious librarian into a survivor of war with a lasting reputation that encouraged women to join the frontline and be celebrated for their contributions. Quinn embellishes Mila’s relationships with friends, family and lovers to balance the novel. It becomes more character-driven, which is what gave it five stars to me.

I highly recommend it if you want a book filled with action, suspense and a heartwarming ending.