This is one of those books, like others by this author, for which you wish you could pause everything else going on in your life so you could just read! Unfortunately, I had a lot going on, couldn't read often, and it took me longer to finish than I would have liked. This was the gripping story of a female Russian sniper during WWII. She leaves a young son at home to fight the Germans, so there are personal elements to the story as well as well as tales of the battles. Later in the war, she is sent to America as part of a Russian delegation to solicit help from FDR. During this time, she begins a lasting friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. The author's note explains the extensive research including how much is based on actual events. Of course, I had never heard of this woman before, but hers is definitely a story to be preserved and told as she has a well-earned place in history. 

This ❤️

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. 

I am quite the lover of historical fiction, but somehow have never read a book by Kate Quinn. I finally decided to remedy this problem by digging into The Diamond Eye. The concept of a bookworm turning into history's deadliest female sniper sounded so promising! Wow, did this book deliver.

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.

Outstanding story from the author of the Rose Code.  The main character is an amazing woman: soldier, mother, historian, sniper extraordinaire, friend and lover.  A sweeping story of the Russian experience in WWII.

I love Kate Quinn's storytelling.  It wasn't as good as The Rose Code for me, because I find code-breaking to be more interesting than being a sniper.  However, the history was new to me and I always enjoy that.  The best parts of the book for me were the parts that were fiction (the author tells you at the end which parts are which.)  I would recommend this for anyone who likes her books or has an interest in the Russian side of WWII.

A bit slow to get going but an absolutely enthralling read that appears to be based on meticulous research by the author

Besties, Kate Quinn has done it again. I’m not a fan of WWII fiction, but I will never hesitate to read a WWII novel if Kate Quinn is at the helm.

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!