![The Witch of Stalingrad](https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410978646l/22825578.jpg)
And while I've read many Russian-themed WWII novels, I still walked away from this book having picked up a few new tidbits about life during the war there, like the fact they painted the Kremlin to look like a row of houses and Lenin's tomb looked like a village cottage.
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Honored also in this tale and whom I was pleased to learn about is Marina Raskova, famous navigator who founded the three female air regiments we meet in this book: the Night Witches, the fighters, the dive bombers.
The story is told following two women: an American war correspondent/photographer with a Russian family history and a Night Witch who is actually so much more: a fighter pilot, a POW, a soldier. There is a wonderful romance between them, a very sweet, tasteful romance, none of that insta-love. Their love seems to grow from mutual respect and admiration, as well as physical attraction, and they make the most of the time they have together.
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There's food for thought, about politics, love, how we think and how our thoughts change due to the things we experience.
If I have a single complaint, it's that the physical relationship between the women seemed a bit "off". I couldn't help but notice that Alex was always the giver of pleasure and Lilya the receiver and I pondered if this was because of age or something else. But then some people receive pleasure by giving it. Something else the story made me think about.
I give this book five bikes for many reasons. It's informative, thought-evoking, well told and written, entertaining, and honors the bravery of many women. I loved it. And the ending--not ridiculous or far-fetched as some romances tend to be. It was just right.
I received this via Netgalley.
Thanks, Book Babe. I'm pleased to know you admire (and even know about) Marina Raskova. In a way, she accomplished more than the flashier and more beautiful Lilya Litviak who was under her command, but I tried to do them all justice. For me the real mystery was Major Kazar (historically Kazarinova). Perhaps another novel, eh?
ReplyDeleteJustine