Scan barcode
just_jess02'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? No
5.0
The narration was crisp and stiff- something I didn’t like at first but once I saw how well it fit the story, it was one of the many aspects that gripped me. The dualities of each character created depth and complexity that had me wondering where many moments would lead. Each relationship and interaction was important and necessary. Is it odd to appreciate the efficiency of a novel?
I enjoyed the exploration of what happens behind the facade of strong, courageous, women who cannot show weakness or softness to the public eye. It is so nice to read a book about a female protagonist that is truly through the female experience and challenges the expectations of the ‘male gaze’ while still incorporating the struggles it causes. Mila is unapologetically brash because she has to be and understanding the inside of her mind during those moments made my heart ache and my conscious confused.
This is so well written, well narrated, and just very engaging overall. It is one you want to sit with and think about but also don’t want to put it down to do so.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
humblebookdragon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Medical content, Murder, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, and Gaslighting
cameronmh'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Gun violence, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia and Sexual harassment
sarahflanders's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War
mtnest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism, Rape, and Vomit
i_write_on_occasion'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? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Death, Medical content, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Rape, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy
katekatiekait's review against another edition
- 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: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism and Alcohol
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
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: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
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 beforebandysbooks'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: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
booksandlemonade'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? No
4.75
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Medical content, and War
Moderate: Cursing