Night Witches

Until I picked up this book I had never heard of the Night Witches, or known that there were 3 full regiments of Russian female pilots fighting on the German/Russian front in WWII. These women fought against the common perceptions of the time that women were not capable of operating planes, or handling war. Despite discrimination at every turn, these women became a valuable part of the Russian forces and distinguished themselves in war. The title of Night Witches was given to the Night Bomber squad by the German enemy, because they flew in quietly in their biplanes under the cover of darkness, like witches on brooms. This fictionalized account made the women come to life; their adventures, heartaches, and losses, their well-deserved pride and honors. The author did a great job of showing the changes to the women as the war ravaged on, the toll that the war took on them, the constant fear of being shot down, of losing a friend or "sister" in arms. A descriptive and inspiring story.

I've always said someone should write a book about the Night Witches, and here it is! Fascinating people in real life, and just as fascinating in fiction. Well done.