The Diamond Eye

A Novel

By: Kate Quinn

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet librarian who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story.

In the snowbound city of Kiev, wry and bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son—but Hitler’s invasion of Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself from studious girl to deadly sniper—a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour.

Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated and lonely in the glittering world of Washington, DC—until an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an even more unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. But when an old enemy from Mila’s past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons and enemy bullets in the deadliest duel of her life.

Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Kate Quinn (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Kate Quinn at her best

An exceptional story superbly told. I loved every minute of this story. Quinn again hits it out of the park detailing the feats and heroism of women in WWII. Without her, their stories would never be told. She is an excellent writer, and the wonderful narration did her justice. Loved everything about this book.

Unusual and based on actual events!

The Diamond Eye was intriguing, entertaining and not your (ubiquitous) tea-and-tears WWII war story, bombs dropping while brave and noble lovers rise to the challenges. No. This is a gritty tale based in Russia at the beginnings of the horrific press of Hitler’s Nazi nightmare. The storyline also takes us to the US in 1942-43 and involves FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt as the US decides whether, to what degree and when it might lend a hand to Russia in its fight to stave off Hitler’s hordes. This added another layer of interest! Largely factual, the protagonist was a real, historical young woman who, surprisingly even to herself, becomes the star sniper for the Russian army.
This is not my usual reading category choice but I’m glad I paid heed to the many positive reviewers. They were right! Kate Quinn is a satisfying, thorough storyteller, marvelously talented and always keeps her stories moving. The Diamond Eye was no exception! I also took a chance on listening again to narration done by Saskia Maarkleveld. I really do not care for her breathless, nearly whispering quality she brings to her readings. I always find it off-putting. Fortunately, either she or I settled in within a couple of chapters and made it work well enough for this listener to be able to stick with the well-crafted Diamond Eye to the very end and the epilogue.
I highly recommend this book. I’ve now listened to it twice, over two years.

Diamond of a story

I found this novel to be engaging from the first moment I started listening. I enjoyed that it was based on a true person in history and I couldn’t wait to have a reason to get back to listening as I drove or performed chores. The narration made me grateful that I’d chosen this novel for listening versus reading it on my own as I was able to feel as if I was the main character herself. What a gem! Mila was a true hero of World War II!
Thank you for telling us her story Kate Quinn!

AMAZING story, perfect narrator!

This is a great book based on a real female sniper. I loved the historical element as well as the story about this strong female character based on a real life sniper. Kate Quinn is a favorite and this didn't disappoint. I enjoyed hearing some of the real history details included after the book concluded.

Saskia Maarleveld, the narrator, is also a treasure. Her voice makes all the characters come alive. Quinn and Maarleveld are an amazing pair. I can't say enough good things!

comment on this book

beautifully narrated and researched, well written and displayed the mindset of two totally different cultures, , I have enjoyed all of her books

Amazing story!

This account of this woman’s journey and commitment to her country and fellow soldiers is told in a powerful way. What an amazing woman!

I couldn’t stop listening.

This book is beautifully written and exquisitely narrated. I deeply appreciate the dedication Kate Quinn put into the research on this heroin and brought her to life. I highly recommend this book.

Interesting read

The thing I love most about this (as well as being partially true story) is the blending of the two stories together. Very nicely done and a smooth transition.
What I didn’t care for was the connection of the details of the story. For example one chapter end and in the next you find her already in battle or go from battle to a hospital bed. Chapter opens with her in hospital. Leaving me to guess to many facts.
Good read. Worth the credit. Similar to the Rose Code in narrative and voice.

An snipper story has inspired me

What inspired me was all the struggles and still fighting for something more than a country but his son … worth listening sometimes I was about to cry, sometimes laugh sometimes was in love …

Recommend!

I’ve listened to multiple Kate Quinn novels and this one did not disappoint. It’s a fascinating true story of Mila a Russian sniper who above anything is trying to do her part and protecting her son. Also read by one of my favorite audiobook narrators-Saskia Maarleveld always fantastic with voices!! Definitely recommend if interested in WWII as I am and seeing a different side to defeat the Nazis rather than the typical British or French perspective.