The Diamond Eye

Reading historical fiction often provides an insight into a little known aspect of history - in this case the story of a Ukrainian born sniper in the Soviet army fighting against Hitler's forces as they attempt to invade Russia. Apart from the fact that the sniper has registered 309 official kills, the sniper is a woman, Mila Pavlichenko. Much of the information in The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn is based on Mila's autobiography which is interwoven with a fictional account of what also may have happened, especially when Mila was part of a Soviet delegation visiting the USA in an attempt to obtain more support for the Soviet war effort.

At 15 Mila married Alexi Pavlichenko, perhaps the biggest mistake in her life. However the union did produce a son, Slavka. Mila has discovered that she is an excellent sharp shooter and decides to join the army as a sniper to protect her son and her family. Eventually her abilities are recognised, reluctantly by many in the army hierarchy, and she soon earns the respect of her fellow soldiers. 

Meanwhile Alexi, who has refused to sign the divorce papers, joins the army as a surgeon. He is very good at his line of work but he is also a control freak and when news of Mila's talents  begin to become know he wants to share the limelight.

Once in the USA Mila meets Eleanor Rosevelt and her husband as she and the Soviet delegation embark on their promotional tour of America. However Mila soon realises that she is being followed and that  her skills may be required to save her own life.

"Lady Death" of the Red Army - Lyudmila Pavlichenko

Eleanor Rosevelt and the Soviet Sniper - Smithsonain Magazine

Lyudmila Pavlichenko - Wikipedia