Among the Red Stars by Gwen C. Katz
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: October 3rd, 2017
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Purchase
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 384
Summary (from Goodreads):
World War Two has shattered Valka’s homeland of Russia, and Valka is determined to help the effort. She knows her skills as a pilot rival the best of the men, so when an all-female aviation group forms, Valka is the first to sign up.
Flying has always meant freedom and exhilaration for Valka, but dropping bombs on German soldiers from a fragile canvas biplane is no joyride. The war is taking its toll on everyone, including the boy Valka grew up with, who is fighting for his life on the front lines.
As the war intensifies and those around her fall, Valka must decide how much she is willing to risk to defend the skies she once called home.
Inspired by the true story of the airwomen the Nazis called Night Witches, Gwen C. Katz weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice, learning to fight for yourself, and the perils of a world at war.
Flying has always meant freedom and exhilaration for Valka, but dropping bombs on German soldiers from a fragile canvas biplane is no joyride. The war is taking its toll on everyone, including the boy Valka grew up with, who is fighting for his life on the front lines.
As the war intensifies and those around her fall, Valka must decide how much she is willing to risk to defend the skies she once called home.
Inspired by the true story of the airwomen the Nazis called Night Witches, Gwen C. Katz weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice, learning to fight for yourself, and the perils of a world at war.
AMONG THE RED STARS has quite possibly been my #1 most anticipated book of 2017 since the second I heard about it. I probably say this a lot, but I LOVE WWII historical fiction. Even better when it's about badass women. And the Russian Night Witches were DEFINITELY badass women.
I don't even know where to start with this book. I have been let down by so many of my most anticipated books this year that I was almost scared to start it. But I shouldn't have been worried because it was just as wonderful as I imagined it to be.
When Valka hears about an all-women aviation group starting up at the beginning of the war (run by one of her heroes, no less!) she and her cousin, Iskra, hitch a ride to Moscow to sign up. They both make it into Aviation Group 122 and after training, both are assigned to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, which became known as the Night Witches.
The story is told mostly from Valka's point of view, but is also told in letters between Valka and her sweeheart on the front lines, Pasha.
This book has so much going for it. The characters are wonderful (and a majority of them were REAL people). I can't think of a single character that I really didn't like in this book. I loved the relationship between Valka and Pasha. Pasha is so shy and sweet. I would like one Pasha for myself, please. I also loved all the friendships built between the women in Aviation Group 122.
But as this is a book about the war, there were definitely a few heartbreaking moments. Friends are lost, hard missions are assigned. It can get kinda sad.
Is it weird that my favorite part of the book might have been the Author's Note at the end? Yes, you learn a lot from reading the actual book, but I feel like the Author's Notes in historical fiction novels are where you learn the most. The fictional part of the book is fun, but knowing the parts that are real history is so amazing. Especially when it's something that's news to you!
Overall, this is SUCH an amazing book! I will never do it justice in a review. I want so badly to word vomit onto this post and tell you every little thing about this book that makes it so so amazing, but if I did that there would be no need for you to read the book and the book is infinitely better than my ramblings. So hopefully I have written just enough to peak your interest to read the book yourself. If you are like me and loooooooove WWII historical fiction, I would HIGHLY recommend this book.
Have you read AMONG THE RED STARS yet? If you haven't, you should. Stay tuned for an A Glimpse Back in Time post that may or may not contain a chance for you to win a copy of your own. ;)
