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stamperlady50
We Fly Beneath the Stars
By: Suzanne Kelman

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kelman’s novels are all emotional and meticulously research. She nails Historical Fiction every time. I have read several of her books and I am completely immersed in her characters.
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This novel follows two sisters Nadia and Tashia. They join the Russian Air Force. They face male counterparts harassment, but the danger and their mission keeps them moving forward. The bravery these women faced flying into danger is inspiring.
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Inspired by real women known as “ Night Witches”, these women inspired so many female pilots after them. I have read a few novels about “Night Witches” and this would be in my top three.
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They each experienced so many horrible things during their experiences. Will they both survive the war? What will they give up and endure to keep their mission moving forward?

Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley and author Kelman for this advanced audio. This novel is available November 30, 2022.

4.75⭐️ Which I have rounded up

This is my first book by this WW2 historical fiction author. It’s a long book with a listening time of

In this book we are introduced to Russia’s Night Witches, a female battalion of fighter pilots.

Narrated by Lauryn Allman she does a great job with good distinct voices and emotion.

Luca joined up as a fighter pilot, he is the love of Tasha’s life, so she impulsively goes after him. Tasha gets drawn to a rally to recruit female pilots she naively ends up joining up. Ivan has been conscripted leaving Nadia feeling bored and lonely, she is envious of Tasha having an adventure so decides to sign up too. They end up flying together which makes the reading more entertaining.

I didn’t find Tasha likeable for much of the book, she was too competitive to work as a team, she is impulsive taking too many risks. She is emotionally immature. Her more measured sister is far more likeable.

I love the inclusion of a love story, as well as sibling love/ rivalry it gives it a lot of emotional depth. Its a very moving listen. It’s really well written combining the story of these heroic women.

Oh my gosh the women were treated like canon fodder. Their ingenuity was amazing. I loved the strong female main characters. I hadn’t heard about The night Witches or read anything from the Russian perspective.

Although the epilogue ties in with the prologue I just felt that it was a little drawn out.

What a beautifully written heartbreaking story that’s filled with love. If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction I highly recommend this. I absolutely loved it.