Night Witches: A Novel of World War II

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

This historical novel takes place in Russia during WWII. The Nazis have surrounded Stalingrad where sixteen year old Valya lives. The story is told from Valya's point of view. Valya wants to join her older sister, Tatyana, a fighter pilot with the Night Witches, regiment of female fighter pilots assigned to fly missions against Nazi targets. Valya and her sister learned to fly from their father who is now missing. When their mother and grandmother are killed by a sniper, Valya has the opportunity to prove herself in spite of her young age. This well written novel is fast paced and well researched. The relationships between the characters are intense. Although the author has included historical information within the story, an author's note would have been beneficial. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy action, history, and suspense,

Overall Book Score: very good