The Diamond Eye - Book Review

 

The Diamond Eye

Kate Quinn

4.5 stars

Pub March 2022
 

 

 

 

 

Kate Quinn does it again with her combination of historical WWII and her creative license. The mix is seamless and the amount of research is definitely to be applauded.

Quinn traces the true story of Mila from a university student studying history into a Russian sniper. The book moves at a riveting pace covering the invasion by the Germans but also spends time on the complexity of a woman who was also a mother, a student, a lover, a sniper and a hero.

Mila's friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt is a touching part of the story, one's dedication to her husband, the other's to the motherland. Each one appreciating the strength the other displays.

A truly well-told historical story, although no more ironic words could have been written in light of the current situation between Russia and the Ukraine. 

I will never apologize for fighting the war that came to our doorstep in 1941. Germany invaded us. Germany wanted our oil, our cities, our flag added to their imperial crown... and what we wanted was of no importance, so they invaded.

Quinn balances the atrocities of war with many tender moments of humanity.

He picked up my hand where it lay among the scatter of flowers, unfolding my fingers and then folding them back inside his own, and he pulled it against his chest. He didn’t say anything- he just held my hand against his tunic, where I could hear the steady beat of his heart. 

It is a feat to show the soft parts of people behind war-lines, to share in their perspective, and be reminded that wars are fought by real people who suffer, are sad and are forever scarred.

This is a book not to be missed; informative, creative, well-written, human.

Next book is the Picture Bride, the story of Korean women who make their way to Hawaii in 1918.

What are you reading today?



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