Science teacher and reigning Teacher of the Year Samantha Krage is currently reading “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn.

“This was a true story, it was told so well, and it just kept my attention the entire time,” Krage said. “I love the strong character, and there are also some pretty strong supporting characters in it. It was really just a nonfiction work that entertained me.”

 “The Diamond Eye” is a nonfiction novel which follows a female Russian sniper, Lyudmila Pavlichenko. Pavlichenko was the first sniper to rise up in rank during WWII. The book narrates her journey through learning to defend herself as a person and in battle. 

The novel heartbreakingly describes how she had to leave her only child at home to go fight in the war, and it details how she paved the way for other women in the Russian army. 

“My mom actually recommended it,” Krage said. “I really like historical fiction stuff, and this is actually nonfiction which is not usually my thing, but I thought I’d try it because it was based on a true story.”

Kate Quinn is a 43 year-old historical fiction author with other novels such as “The Alice Network,” “The Huntress,” and “The Rose Code.” Her book, “The Briar Club,” was an Amazon #1 bestseller in July of 2024. She is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of historical fiction. She is currently based in California, and she is a graduate of Boston University. 

“I thought it was really good,” Krage said. “I’ve actually recommended it to other people, too.”

“The Diamond Eye” portrays resilience during WWII through human connection and female struggles. The nonfiction war novel tackles themes of motherhood, grief, and family alongside Lyudmila Pavlichenko’s time in the Russian army.