Review by Booklist Review
Quinn (The Rose Code, 2021) incorporates the life of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, history's most successful female sniper, into this thrilling novel. In 1941, after the Nazis invade her Soviet homeland, Mila, a library researcher and single mother with an arrogant, estranged husband, leaves her family and university studies to join the Red Army, intent on utilizing her marksmanship training. The on-the-ground action is propulsive as Mila forms bonds with other soldiers while battling sexism and waiting patiently in trenches for her targets to appear. Quinn alternates these immersively realistic scenes with a narrative set in 1942, as danger stalks Mila and President Roosevelt during her overseas goodwill tour to persuade America to open a second front in Europe. From the killer opening line to the suspenseful denouement, Quinn's novel is a winner. Set aside any preconceptions about a sniper's typical personality. Mila is a brave, witty woman of steely resolve--"don't miss" is her modus operandi--who falls passionately in love, totes her history dissertation around on missions, and collects leaf samples to mail home to her son. Her unusual friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt is another highlight. Novels about WWII heroines are having a moment, and this is a stellar example. Recommend it to fans of Ariel Lawhon's Code Name Hélène (2020) and all lovers of smart historical fiction.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-selling Quinn herself is a sure draw, but her inspiration for the hero of this powerful WWII tale, a librarian-turned-military-sniper, will appeal to an even greater audience.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Quinn (The Rose Code) draws on a historical female sharpshooter from WWII in her exciting latest. In 1937, Mila Pavlichenko studies history at Kiev University and raises her five-year-old son, Slavka. She's estranged from her husband, Alexei, a surgeon whom she met when she was 15. When the Germans invade Russia, Mila, who's already trained at a marksmanship school, enlists in the army, is assigned sniper duty, and earns the nickname "Lady Death" for her high number of kills. In battle, Mila is steadfast about completing her missions with her partner, Kostia, and also finds time to write letters to Slavka. In 1942, Soviet leaders send Mila with a delegation to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Roosevelt in a bid to seek American support. The trip has its highs and lows, as Mila unexpectedly develops a friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt, but faces a threat from a misogynistic male marksman who sends her threatening notes. Quinn humanizes Mila by showing how she and Kostia use humor--along with a healthy amount of vodka--to cope with their risk-taking, and she convinces with her description of Eleanor's political savvy and influence on the president. Historical fiction fans will be riveted. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Mar.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
In 1942, Lyudmila "Mila" Pavilchenko, aka "Lady Death," arrived in Washington, DC, as part of the Soviet Union delegation seeking U.S. support in fighting Hitler on the Russian front. But Mila's journey began in 1937, when she used her natural skill, and practice, to become an outstanding marksman after her estranged husband mocked their five-year-old son for not being "manly" around guns. Leaving her doctoral studies in history to enlist as a sharpshooter changed Mila's path and left her fighting ruthless enemies, on and off the battlefield. There's so much packed into this book, from subtle, complex characters who grow and change throughout to lessons about this the real history behind the boo. The relationships build an emotionally engaging foundation as tension builds on battlefields and danger tracks Mila in Washington. Quinn (The Rose Code) specializes in centering strong women; each of her books exceeds expectations set by the previous title. VERDICT Readers looking for a new and unique viewpoint of World War II with a mystery to solve and a light touch of romance will dive deep into this story.--Stacey Hayman
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