The Night Sparrow

I had never heard of women snipers in WWII before reading this book, and I am so glad it opened my eyes to how heroic these women were. I love books that make me want to learn, and I spend heaps of time researching these women after reading this.

Elena Bruskina's world collapses when the Nazi's invade the Soviet Union in 1941. Her Jewish family is forced in the Minsk ghetto, where thousands are murdered. Sick of seeing those she loves die, Elana heads to Moscow to join the Red Army's new Central Women's Sniper Training School. There she bonds with her other Cadets and bravely risks her life to defend the Motherland. But in 1945 she is chosen for a special mission to capture Hitler himself.

This is told through dual timelines - 1941 when Elena is forced into the ghetto, and 1945 when she is chosen for her special mission. This is a hard read at times, due to the depravity of the Nazi soldiers, but it is so important to remember that these things really happened. I couldn't put this book down once I started! Elena really came into her own during the worst of circumstances, even though she often doubted herself and her abilities. I was saddened to learn that Russia didn't fully acknowledge or celebrate the actions of these women after the War, but I am so glad books like this are written to ensure the heroic actions of these women are never forgotten.

This is a wonderful book if you enjoy historical fiction about women's war efforts!