pickA phenomenal book that takes us into the life of Russian (Ukrainian really, but the story explains) single mother who desires to be a historian, but training, will and natural ability forge her into a sniper in WW2. Her kill count at over 300 leads her to a campaign where she befriends First Lady Elenor Roosevelt. She finds love & loss during her time on the front, with her second hubby dying in her arms. Living by the mantra, “don‘t miss” - read!
pickWhat an inspiring story of a strong woman that defies the perception of women‘s roles in wartime. I love that Quinn writes about strong women most of us have never heard of. Although a bit slow in parts as it‘s heavily based on Milas experience on the front lines, the ending more than makes up for the areas in the book that lack excitement. Love that Quinn tried to follow reality as much as possible and sprinkled in her own touch here and there.
pickA most excellent read based on the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, famed WWII Russian sniper with over 300 confirmed kills. Mila‘s life goes from quiet scholar, to the front lines of Odessa, all the way to a press tour in America to bolster US and Soviet relations during the war. Very much enjoyed this read from both a historical aspect and the liberties the author took fictionally.
pickThe Diamond Eye was great! I stayed up later than usual to finish. 🌟🌟🌟🌟The Ordinary Failings book wasn‘t so great for me. I‘d be surprised if it made the shortlist of the Women‘s Prize. Or disappointed over surprised. I gave it 2.5 stars. The ending improved it for me. Then I read Western Lane. It was better over Ordinary Failings - a decent story about grief. That‘s a 3 star for me and again, surprised if it makes the shortlist.
Reading all the books at once. Other one not showing: Western Lane by Chetna Maroo. Ordinary Human Failings and Western Lane are on the recently announced Women‘s Prize Longlist and both are very short and were available to download from my library. How could I resist? In audio I‘m listening to If You Ask me by Eleanor Roosevelt. It‘s why I pulled Diamond Eye from my shelf. 😊
pickAbsolutely loved this. Great historical fiction based on a fascinating and complex character who the author does a great job of presenting. I also really appreciated the authors note - Mila is a character who will stick with me and excitingly @Andrew65 it‘s also book 11 that I already owned #readaway2024
It's snowing like crazy so I'm hunkered down for the night with my Frankie!
I'm really enjoying tagged book so far!
pickIt took a while to get in to this book, but the end was totally worth the payoff! Beautifully written.
pickIt was long and slow for most of it, but the end was totally worth the payoff. It is beautifully written and I‘ve never read a WWI book from the Russian perspective. Don‘t skip the author‘s note!
