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The Diamond Eye

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Kate Quinn

The Diamond Eye

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ukraine • 1940s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn follows Soviet sniper Lyudmila "Mila" Pavlichenko's World War II experiences and her journey to the United States, where she befriends Eleanor Roosevelt. The narrative alternates between Mila's wartime efforts and a propaganda tour in the U.S., as an American sniper plans to frame her for President Roosevelt's assassination. The novel explores themes of trauma, recovery, emotional bonds in wartime, and gender norms in heroism. This work depicts sexual assault and includes graphic descriptions of wartime violence.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Mysterious

Dark

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

175,152 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Kate Quinn's The Diamond Eye commend its captivating historical fiction and well-researched plot, engaging readers with intense and immersive storytelling. However, some criticize its pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, the book is praised for strong character development and vivid settings, making it a worthwhile read despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Diamond Eye?

Fans of historical fiction with strong female protagonists would enjoy Kate Quinn's The Diamond Eye. Readers who appreciate detailed WWII narratives, like those in Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, will find this novel gripping and evocative.

4.4

175,152 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Lyudmila Pavlichenko

The protagonist and narrator who is a determined and skilled sniper in the Red Army, responsible for many confirmed kills during World War II, and a symbol of resistance against the Nazis. She navigates her complex personal life while on a mission to protect her country and her son.

Mila’s first husband, a controlling and arrogant surgeon who fails to respect her agency and uses his influence to manipulate circumstances to gain personal advantage.

An anonymous character hired to undermine President Roosevelt's policies by assassination, disguising himself to penetrate various social circles to achieve his mission.

Mila’s skilled and respectful sniper partner with a background in hunting, who values her intellect and becomes an important ally and companion.

Mila’s regimental commander, known for his charm and respect for Mila’s sniper skills, who develops a close bond with her during the war.

Mila’s friend at the front, who offers emotional support and shares a bond of trust and shared wartime experiences with her.

The active and influential First Lady who forges a supportive and understanding friendship with Mila during her visit to the United States.

The 42nd president of the United States, represented as a symbol of hope for the Allied forces, whose life becomes the target of an assassination plot.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ukraine • 1940s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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