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Beneath a Scarlet Sky
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2017)Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours.
Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior.
In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders.
Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share.
Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.
509 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
66324 people are currently reading
344491 people want to read
About the author
Mark T. Sullivan
38 books4,122 followersMark T. Sullivan (b. 1958) is an author of thrillers. Born in a Boston suburb, he joined the Peace Corp after college, traveling to West Africa to live with a tribe of Saharan nomads. Upon returning to the United States, he took a job at Reuters, beginning a decade-long career in journalism that would eventually lead to a job as an investigative reporter for the San Diego Tribune.
Sullivan spent the winter of 1990 living with a group of skiers in Utah and Wyoming, and used the experience as the foundation for his first novel, The Fall Line (1994). In 1995 he published Hard News, a thriller based on his work as a reporter, and a year later he released The Purification Ceremony, which won the WH Smith Award for Best New Talent. His most recent work is Private Games (2012), which he co-authored with James Patterson. Sullivan lives with his family in Montana, where he skis, hunts, and practices martial arts.
Sullivan spent the winter of 1990 living with a group of skiers in Utah and Wyoming, and used the experience as the foundation for his first novel, The Fall Line (1994). In 1995 he published Hard News, a thriller based on his work as a reporter, and a year later he released The Purification Ceremony, which won the WH Smith Award for Best New Talent. His most recent work is Private Games (2012), which he co-authored with James Patterson. Sullivan lives with his family in Montana, where he skis, hunts, and practices martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 28,116 reviews
February 16, 2018
2ish stars.
Based on the experiences of Pino Lella, an unsung WWII hero, the events at the heart of this book are incredible and inspiring. Sullivan, though obviously well-meaning, presents them here in what is more or less a bloated, commercialized, color-by-number hagiography.
Somehow present at just about as many significant events during WWII as one can be, Pino deftly overcomes every obstacle in his path. While - again - incredible and inspiring, there's not much in the way of tension or suspense, especially for a book styled as a WWII thriller. The pacing is inconsistent; some horrific, gut-wrenching events are bizarrely skimmed over, while other insignificant ones are unnecessarily drawn out. I suppose all of these things can be forgiven - there are only so many liberties one can take with (what we’re led to believe is) a (partially) fact-based story - but I could never get over the weak, awkward dialogue and amateurish prose.
Ultimately a worthy tale and a worthy effort to tell it. But while the story is incredible and inspiring, the book in which it gets told is only alright.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
Based on the experiences of Pino Lella, an unsung WWII hero, the events at the heart of this book are incredible and inspiring. Sullivan, though obviously well-meaning, presents them here in what is more or less a bloated, commercialized, color-by-number hagiography.
Somehow present at just about as many significant events during WWII as one can be, Pino deftly overcomes every obstacle in his path. While - again - incredible and inspiring, there's not much in the way of tension or suspense, especially for a book styled as a WWII thriller. The pacing is inconsistent; some horrific, gut-wrenching events are bizarrely skimmed over, while other insignificant ones are unnecessarily drawn out. I suppose all of these things can be forgiven - there are only so many liberties one can take with (what we’re led to believe is) a (partially) fact-based story - but I could never get over the weak, awkward dialogue and amateurish prose.
Ultimately a worthy tale and a worthy effort to tell it. But while the story is incredible and inspiring, the book in which it gets told is only alright.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
February 17, 2019
2 1/2 stars. This was nowhere near as engaging as I would expect from a book that has a 4.4 average rating over 48,000+ readers.
The strength of Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes from it's exploration of the Italian experience under Mussolini during the Second World War. I know almost nothing about what happened here, despite having read A LOT of books and memoirs set during this time. I've read countless tales about the Germans, Polish, the British and the Americans, so it was extremely refreshing to get a new perspective.
Also, Sullivan interviewed the real Pino Lella - the protagonist of this book - and based much of the story on his tales and memories. It is a fictionalized, much-embellished true story, which makes it even more effective to many, I'm sure.
That being said, the writing really does leave something to be desired. Writing style is not something I comment on too often, but it was obvious to me as soon as I began reading that - at the very least - Beneath a Scarlet Sky could have done with some extra rounds of (heavy) editing.
And I know that the author's starting disclaimer is basically a cute way of saying "Look, some parts are absolute bullshit that I made up to make the story more interesting" but my suspension of disbelief was strained a bit when Pino's life becomes something of a superhero tale. Dramatic event after dramatic event unfolds, and I feel that if a young guy really did do half the things Pino Lella apparently did then he would be as famous as Harry Potter. Not the long-forgotten star of a semi-biographical novel.
The history is interesting.
The story is, on occasion, compelling.
But true, semi-true, maybe true? Yeah, I'm not convinced.
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The strength of Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes from it's exploration of the Italian experience under Mussolini during the Second World War. I know almost nothing about what happened here, despite having read A LOT of books and memoirs set during this time. I've read countless tales about the Germans, Polish, the British and the Americans, so it was extremely refreshing to get a new perspective.
Also, Sullivan interviewed the real Pino Lella - the protagonist of this book - and based much of the story on his tales and memories. It is a fictionalized, much-embellished true story, which makes it even more effective to many, I'm sure.
That being said, the writing really does leave something to be desired. Writing style is not something I comment on too often, but it was obvious to me as soon as I began reading that - at the very least - Beneath a Scarlet Sky could have done with some extra rounds of (heavy) editing.
And I know that the author's starting disclaimer is basically a cute way of saying "Look, some parts are absolute bullshit that I made up to make the story more interesting" but my suspension of disbelief was strained a bit when Pino's life becomes something of a superhero tale. Dramatic event after dramatic event unfolds, and I feel that if a young guy really did do half the things Pino Lella apparently did then he would be as famous as Harry Potter. Not the long-forgotten star of a semi-biographical novel.
The history is interesting.
The story is, on occasion, compelling.
But true, semi-true, maybe true? Yeah, I'm not convinced.
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March 2, 2022
I know I've been gone, but I'm back now so don't worry I'll be clogging your feeds with my garbage reviews again now. I already started reading my next book.
A semi biographical story about an Italian teenager Pino Lella who is sent to a convent after Allied forces airstrike destroys his home in Milan. At the convent he helps the priest smuggle out Jews to Switzerland who have come there for help. He meets and falls in love with Anna, an older widow. Eventually he is called home and made to join the army for protection. Eventually he uses his position in the army as a driver to one of the most powerful German generals to spy for the Allies.
There are so many positive reviews for this book but I honestly hated it. It was difficult for me to finish this book. I have been busy and not had as much time to read but at the same time this book was part of the reason I haven't read anything in weeks because it was just so boring that I didn't even feel like reading really, it felt like torture reading it. I don't think it was the story itself that was the problem but the execution. It was painfully boring and the author just kept telling and not showing us anything or illustrating things for us. There was no suspense built up and I felt zero attachment to any of the characters, even though they're real people. This has to be one of the hardest books I've forced myself to finish reading just because it felt like there was so much unnecessary detail included and because everything was just told out without really a narrative or story line to help build up my interest. Thank god I'm done with it.
A semi biographical story about an Italian teenager Pino Lella who is sent to a convent after Allied forces airstrike destroys his home in Milan. At the convent he helps the priest smuggle out Jews to Switzerland who have come there for help. He meets and falls in love with Anna, an older widow. Eventually he is called home and made to join the army for protection. Eventually he uses his position in the army as a driver to one of the most powerful German generals to spy for the Allies.
There are so many positive reviews for this book but I honestly hated it. It was difficult for me to finish this book. I have been busy and not had as much time to read but at the same time this book was part of the reason I haven't read anything in weeks because it was just so boring that I didn't even feel like reading really, it felt like torture reading it. I don't think it was the story itself that was the problem but the execution. It was painfully boring and the author just kept telling and not showing us anything or illustrating things for us. There was no suspense built up and I felt zero attachment to any of the characters, even though they're real people. This has to be one of the hardest books I've forced myself to finish reading just because it felt like there was so much unnecessary detail included and because everything was just told out without really a narrative or story line to help build up my interest. Thank god I'm done with it.
November 8, 2017
This is a fascinating book about WWII in Italy. I’ve read so much about Northern Europe during the war, but this is the first book about what took place in Italy. It follows the story of a real life teenager, beginning in 1943 when he guides Jews over the mountain pass to Switzerland and through the events that have him end up as a spy for the Allies.
The story is well told and engaging. The characters seem real. Too often, historical characters come across as wooden or two dimensional, as if the author is afraid to give them feelings or characteristics that would paint them as less than heroic. Here, you get the full gamut of feelings, including fear, confusion and hate.
Last week included All Saint’s Day and Father Re would certainly be included among them. It’s heartwarming to learn about those whose faith is so strong that fear takes a backseat.
Sullivan also excels in painting General Leyers. When he asks Pino if he hates him, Pino is afraid to answer truthfully. But Leyers says “yes, you do...it would be surprising if you didn’t hate me for what I’ve had to do today. A part of me hates myself...So here in Italy, and in your eyes, I’m a criminal. Back home, I’ll be an unsung hero. Good. Evil. It’s all a matter of perspective, is it not?”
Lots of action here, especially as the war is ending. I’ve read there’s a movie of this in the works and you can see why it was picked up. Some of the scenes are amazing, more so for knowing they really happened.
Highly recommend this one!
The story is well told and engaging. The characters seem real. Too often, historical characters come across as wooden or two dimensional, as if the author is afraid to give them feelings or characteristics that would paint them as less than heroic. Here, you get the full gamut of feelings, including fear, confusion and hate.
Last week included All Saint’s Day and Father Re would certainly be included among them. It’s heartwarming to learn about those whose faith is so strong that fear takes a backseat.
Sullivan also excels in painting General Leyers. When he asks Pino if he hates him, Pino is afraid to answer truthfully. But Leyers says “yes, you do...it would be surprising if you didn’t hate me for what I’ve had to do today. A part of me hates myself...So here in Italy, and in your eyes, I’m a criminal. Back home, I’ll be an unsung hero. Good. Evil. It’s all a matter of perspective, is it not?”
Lots of action here, especially as the war is ending. I’ve read there’s a movie of this in the works and you can see why it was picked up. Some of the scenes are amazing, more so for knowing they really happened.
Highly recommend this one!
June 24, 2017
One feature of every hugely engaging novel is that it’s palpable throughout that the author has invested a great deal of heart and imagination into the narrative. This is far from always the case. There’s sometimes a sense an author is fulfilling a contractual obligation or is never quite inspired by his/her characters or story. This is one of those novels where it’s obvious the author has thrown himself heart and soul into his material and achieved an imaginative identification with its hero so intense that he is able to write as if he experienced everything first hand. The visual detail throughout was especially mesmerising.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the fictionalised true story of a young Italian boy’s experiences during WW2. Pino Lella never spoke about his wartime exploits until he was an old man. There was a reason for this. Despite his heroics he has carried with him a harrowing haunting secret, a secret he believes to be shameful. We won’t find out what this secret is until the latter part of the novel.
Pino performs two wartime roles – firstly he becomes the guide of an underground escape route for Jewish families fleeing to Switzerland. Later he becomes the driver of one of the most powerful Nazi generals in Italy. In this role he wears a German uniform and the swastika armband, much to the disgust of many of his family, friends and countrymen. However, unknown to everyone, even his brother, he is working as a spy.
At one point there’s the suspicion this book is too long. The war in Milan is over and yet there are still over a hundred pages to go. But the huge surprise now is the tension is ratcheted up even further. The final hundred pages are the most intense of the novel, quite a feat considering how exciting the narrative has been throughout.
One problem with fictionalising real life is it doesn’t always offer the resolutions that are a vital part of the form of the novel. We need to feel a story has sense, that all the loose threads are eventually embroidered into the tapestry. I was worrying about this towards the end. I was especially thinking of a minor and yet oddly significant character who appeared early in the narrative but then vanished. I found I wanted to know what happened to him. Then, lo and behold, he reappears. This is another extraordinary facet of Pino’s life – it often assumes the tidy order of a novel. This is most astonishingly true when he discovers the maid of his general’s mistress is the older woman he once on an impulse asked for a date on the streets of Milan. Anna, the woman, becomes the love of his love. It’s like there’s no such thing as a random encounter in Pino’s life. All the dots are joined. This is further emphasised in the brief account of Pino’s post-war life – one day he meets an old friend who persuades him to cancel the flight he’s booked on so they can catch up – the flight he cancels is the infamous Lockerbie flight that crashes in Scotland. He also tries to dissuade James Dean from buying the Porsche that killed him when he’s working as a car salesman in California! His instinct is Dean won’t be able to handle the power of the car.
I will say there is one resolution we don’t get, which is the mystery of the German officer he works for. The author endeavours to clear him up at the end of the novel but the vital mystery of him eludes him.
Anyway, this was a fabulous read. A stunning feat of research and imaginative identification and gripping storytelling.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the fictionalised true story of a young Italian boy’s experiences during WW2. Pino Lella never spoke about his wartime exploits until he was an old man. There was a reason for this. Despite his heroics he has carried with him a harrowing haunting secret, a secret he believes to be shameful. We won’t find out what this secret is until the latter part of the novel.
Pino performs two wartime roles – firstly he becomes the guide of an underground escape route for Jewish families fleeing to Switzerland. Later he becomes the driver of one of the most powerful Nazi generals in Italy. In this role he wears a German uniform and the swastika armband, much to the disgust of many of his family, friends and countrymen. However, unknown to everyone, even his brother, he is working as a spy.
At one point there’s the suspicion this book is too long. The war in Milan is over and yet there are still over a hundred pages to go. But the huge surprise now is the tension is ratcheted up even further. The final hundred pages are the most intense of the novel, quite a feat considering how exciting the narrative has been throughout.
One problem with fictionalising real life is it doesn’t always offer the resolutions that are a vital part of the form of the novel. We need to feel a story has sense, that all the loose threads are eventually embroidered into the tapestry. I was worrying about this towards the end. I was especially thinking of a minor and yet oddly significant character who appeared early in the narrative but then vanished. I found I wanted to know what happened to him. Then, lo and behold, he reappears. This is another extraordinary facet of Pino’s life – it often assumes the tidy order of a novel. This is most astonishingly true when he discovers the maid of his general’s mistress is the older woman he once on an impulse asked for a date on the streets of Milan. Anna, the woman, becomes the love of his love. It’s like there’s no such thing as a random encounter in Pino’s life. All the dots are joined. This is further emphasised in the brief account of Pino’s post-war life – one day he meets an old friend who persuades him to cancel the flight he’s booked on so they can catch up – the flight he cancels is the infamous Lockerbie flight that crashes in Scotland. He also tries to dissuade James Dean from buying the Porsche that killed him when he’s working as a car salesman in California! His instinct is Dean won’t be able to handle the power of the car.
I will say there is one resolution we don’t get, which is the mystery of the German officer he works for. The author endeavours to clear him up at the end of the novel but the vital mystery of him eludes him.
Anyway, this was a fabulous read. A stunning feat of research and imaginative identification and gripping storytelling.
December 8, 2018
My 14 year old is a military history buff, and I'm pretty sure he will enjoy this simple work of historical fiction set in WWII Italy. Me? Not so much.
GOOD STUFF: I learned that groups of Italians - loosely organized by priests and archbishops of the Catholic church - were active in smuggling Jewish refugees over the Alps and into Switzerland to keep them out of the Nazi reach. Getting a feel for the timeline of the German presence in Italy and how it was marked by milestones of Allied advancement was also pretty interesting. Jewish and political prisoners were treated horrifically in Italy, something not commonly written about - disturbing, but we need to know these things.
SQUIRRELY STUFF: The incessant series of coincidences that put the protagonist - a REAL PERSON named Pino Lella - in probably 40 or more highly unlikely situations sucked nearly all credibility from the story. In the real world of the early 1940s, Mr. Lella was a 17 year old who had been sent with his younger brother up into the mountains to escape the bombings that had begun in Milan. The teenagers stayed at a Catholic boys' school where the priest began to harness the strength and alpine knowledge of 17 year old Pino to fill a role as capable mountain guide for Jews trying to escape persecution.
While this section of the book was compelling, the author popped in his first bits of far-fetched "small world" run ins that ultimately doomed my reading experience. I kept envisioning a young Tom Hanks busting out of his leg braces at a full gallop and quoting Mama. "Stupid is as stupid does" - but in Italian - when he was randomly asked to act as translator for Mussolini. I'm not the first person to see the unfortunate Forrest Gump parallel, but because I regarded the book as being either geared for a Young Adult audience - or that population of adults who read maybe just one book a year - I initially let the incessant coincidences slide.
When young Pino enlists with the Nazis (to avoid being drafted and being sent to the Russian front), he conveniently bumped into major players with the gestapo, served water to half starved Jews, was the sole eye witness to a bombing’s perpetrator, and more unlikely Gumpish happenings. He - a teenager who’d only recently learned to drive - expertly chauffered his officer's car to engage in a dog fight with a dive bombing fighter plane, intent on its repeated overhead assassination attempts of the car’s inhabitants. James Bond could not have done a better job. All of these and other farfetched incidents snowballed into one big hunk of questionability for me.
There is another WWII era book out called Mischling where the fictional twin sisters, just like Pino and Forrest, end up witnessing every major event to have happened in that particular site over a period of years. Do you remember those long horizontal posters from elementary school science class where every single known dinosaur and shark and invertebrate and fish and tree was illustrated into a single setting? Yes, those are called dioramas, and that is precisely what this book felt like... an unrealistic conglomerate of events. These kind of books are just fine - they’re enlightening clusters of factoids - but only when the reader isn’t expected to believe the main character actually experienced it all in real life. Mischling was a very good read, and this book could have been too.
The writing style, vocabulary, and format are fifth grade level - not a bad thing for the general masses of reluctant readers out there - and because of that seemingly "targeted" audience, I further forgave the ridiculousness.
UNFORTUNATE STUFF: The flip side to assigning dozens and dozens of unlikely outcomes to one single real world person made me doubt exactly what role Pino Lella played. What a shame that a book that probably promised to honor the sacrifices made by Mr. Lella now have me (a cynic) questioning exactly what he did do in the war. I mean, he DID enlist with the Nazis. Part of me wondered if the outlandish acts of heroism and espionage and coincidence were mere whoppers that some Italian dude concocted years later so nobody would think ill of him for signing up with the Axes forced. I'm NOT accusing - but the way this story was written sure did have me wondering - and that stink is on the author, not Mr. Lella.
The names and roles and timeframes for the German officers, priests, and other real people are (I've read) pretty badly botched too, but it is my understanding that the publisher originally claimed that this "Based on Actual Events" book was 90% perfectly accurate. As armchair historians started digging up background info - because hey! it IS a compelling story! - the controversy of how much exaggeration and creative license and blarney was employed grew.
Some of this is familiar turf for avid readers. A Million Little Pieces was a beautifully written "memoir" by James Frey that turned out to be more invention than biography. Poor Dave Eggers got hoodwinked by the wolf in sheep's clothing that was the man in Zeitoun. In those instances, however, it was the author Frey intentionally deceiving us and then Zeitoun deceiving author Eggers. Here, I've no idea what to believe or disbelieve, and it is Pino Lella who gets questioned because of this writer Sullivan.
In sum, had Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox showed up (speaking Italian), I would not have been surprised.
Great story. Poor writing.
GOOD STUFF: I learned that groups of Italians - loosely organized by priests and archbishops of the Catholic church - were active in smuggling Jewish refugees over the Alps and into Switzerland to keep them out of the Nazi reach. Getting a feel for the timeline of the German presence in Italy and how it was marked by milestones of Allied advancement was also pretty interesting. Jewish and political prisoners were treated horrifically in Italy, something not commonly written about - disturbing, but we need to know these things.
SQUIRRELY STUFF: The incessant series of coincidences that put the protagonist - a REAL PERSON named Pino Lella - in probably 40 or more highly unlikely situations sucked nearly all credibility from the story. In the real world of the early 1940s, Mr. Lella was a 17 year old who had been sent with his younger brother up into the mountains to escape the bombings that had begun in Milan. The teenagers stayed at a Catholic boys' school where the priest began to harness the strength and alpine knowledge of 17 year old Pino to fill a role as capable mountain guide for Jews trying to escape persecution.
While this section of the book was compelling, the author popped in his first bits of far-fetched "small world" run ins that ultimately doomed my reading experience. I kept envisioning a young Tom Hanks busting out of his leg braces at a full gallop and quoting Mama. "Stupid is as stupid does" - but in Italian - when he was randomly asked to act as translator for Mussolini. I'm not the first person to see the unfortunate Forrest Gump parallel, but because I regarded the book as being either geared for a Young Adult audience - or that population of adults who read maybe just one book a year - I initially let the incessant coincidences slide.
When young Pino enlists with the Nazis (to avoid being drafted and being sent to the Russian front), he conveniently bumped into major players with the gestapo, served water to half starved Jews, was the sole eye witness to a bombing’s perpetrator, and more unlikely Gumpish happenings. He - a teenager who’d only recently learned to drive - expertly chauffered his officer's car to engage in a dog fight with a dive bombing fighter plane, intent on its repeated overhead assassination attempts of the car’s inhabitants. James Bond could not have done a better job. All of these and other farfetched incidents snowballed into one big hunk of questionability for me.
There is another WWII era book out called Mischling where the fictional twin sisters, just like Pino and Forrest, end up witnessing every major event to have happened in that particular site over a period of years. Do you remember those long horizontal posters from elementary school science class where every single known dinosaur and shark and invertebrate and fish and tree was illustrated into a single setting? Yes, those are called dioramas, and that is precisely what this book felt like... an unrealistic conglomerate of events. These kind of books are just fine - they’re enlightening clusters of factoids - but only when the reader isn’t expected to believe the main character actually experienced it all in real life. Mischling was a very good read, and this book could have been too.
The writing style, vocabulary, and format are fifth grade level - not a bad thing for the general masses of reluctant readers out there - and because of that seemingly "targeted" audience, I further forgave the ridiculousness.
UNFORTUNATE STUFF: The flip side to assigning dozens and dozens of unlikely outcomes to one single real world person made me doubt exactly what role Pino Lella played. What a shame that a book that probably promised to honor the sacrifices made by Mr. Lella now have me (a cynic) questioning exactly what he did do in the war. I mean, he DID enlist with the Nazis. Part of me wondered if the outlandish acts of heroism and espionage and coincidence were mere whoppers that some Italian dude concocted years later so nobody would think ill of him for signing up with the Axes forced. I'm NOT accusing - but the way this story was written sure did have me wondering - and that stink is on the author, not Mr. Lella.
The names and roles and timeframes for the German officers, priests, and other real people are (I've read) pretty badly botched too, but it is my understanding that the publisher originally claimed that this "Based on Actual Events" book was 90% perfectly accurate. As armchair historians started digging up background info - because hey! it IS a compelling story! - the controversy of how much exaggeration and creative license and blarney was employed grew.
Some of this is familiar turf for avid readers. A Million Little Pieces was a beautifully written "memoir" by James Frey that turned out to be more invention than biography. Poor Dave Eggers got hoodwinked by the wolf in sheep's clothing that was the man in Zeitoun. In those instances, however, it was the author Frey intentionally deceiving us and then Zeitoun deceiving author Eggers. Here, I've no idea what to believe or disbelieve, and it is Pino Lella who gets questioned because of this writer Sullivan.
In sum, had Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox showed up (speaking Italian), I would not have been surprised.
Great story. Poor writing.
May 6, 2019
what a comfort it is to know that, even in the most desperate and tragically unfathomable of circumstances, courage and love are possible and can be found.
but what i enjoyed most about this story is how it educated me on the impact of WWII in italy. italy is rarely the focus for novels on the subject - even though the jewish community of italy was greatly affected, it is hardly ever talked about due to the massive destruction of documents and records, as well as the collective amnesia of italians (the unwillingness to remember and talk about their struggles) after the war. so how fortunate is it that stories like this, stories about the braveness and resilience of the italian people in the face of true horror, are finally being shared.
and i feel rather heartless giving a book with that sort of gravity anything less than 5 stars, but i was very let down when it came to the writing and the way the story is told. i would have much rather heard the story told from pino himself, as i dont think mark sullivan did his story justice. the writing is very awkward and doesnt evoke the sense of emotion i would have hoped for from a story as memorable as this.
regardless, i am still grateful i read this, for there are so many valuable lessons taught within this book. lessons on what it means to be human, how far one can go to do whats right, how love can be found anywhere, and most importantly, the power of courage and hope. historic lessons and stories like this need to be recorded so that they will never be forgotten.
↠ 3.5 stars
but what i enjoyed most about this story is how it educated me on the impact of WWII in italy. italy is rarely the focus for novels on the subject - even though the jewish community of italy was greatly affected, it is hardly ever talked about due to the massive destruction of documents and records, as well as the collective amnesia of italians (the unwillingness to remember and talk about their struggles) after the war. so how fortunate is it that stories like this, stories about the braveness and resilience of the italian people in the face of true horror, are finally being shared.
and i feel rather heartless giving a book with that sort of gravity anything less than 5 stars, but i was very let down when it came to the writing and the way the story is told. i would have much rather heard the story told from pino himself, as i dont think mark sullivan did his story justice. the writing is very awkward and doesnt evoke the sense of emotion i would have hoped for from a story as memorable as this.
regardless, i am still grateful i read this, for there are so many valuable lessons taught within this book. lessons on what it means to be human, how far one can go to do whats right, how love can be found anywhere, and most importantly, the power of courage and hope. historic lessons and stories like this need to be recorded so that they will never be forgotten.
↠ 3.5 stars
May 17, 2017
The story of Pino Lella is amazing. The writing of Mark Sullivan is dreadful. It reads like it was written by a sixth grader, full of cliches and bad metaphors. I brought this book on vacation and was so excited to read it based on the description on the back cover. What a disappointment.
February 6, 2024
Why I chose to read this book:
1. I put it on my WTR list ever since I came across GR friend, Patricia's review over 3 years ago;
2. I enjoy historical fiction; and,
3. January 2024 is my "Celestial Titles" Month!
Praises:
1. author Mark T. Sullivan writes a biographical fiction novel about Giuseppe "Pino" Lella, a 17-year-old boy living in Milan, Italy during the final two years of WW2. I wondered how much of this story was fact and how much was fiction since it read like an action-packed adventure story, until I read the Aftermath pages, which set me straight. I was amazed by how, at such a young age, Pino:
- guided several groups of Jewish refugees and downed Allied pilots over the Italian Alps into neutral Switzerland. These excursions filled me with dread - I felt like I was traversing these treacherous mountains alongside these people! Descriptions of various scenes were much more believable than those written in The Nightingale!
- was in the right place at the right time to become the driver for the influential German Army General Major Hans Leyers, thereby putting Pino in an excellent position to spy on this officer and relay information to the Allies;
- was an eyewitness to several atrocities, especially heartbreaking in regards to loved ones and the extreme guilt (PTSD) he felt over the years at being powerless to do anything; and,
2. I enjoyed the descriptive writing depicting northern Italy. I wished I had paid more attention to various locales in Milan and the role they played during WW2 while visiting during a school trip decades ago.
Niggle:
Some needless repetition of phrases, thoughts and dialogue could have been edited.
Overall Thoughts:
This was a tension-filled look through the eyes of this young boy of what WW2 was like in northern Italy.
Of the three books that I've recently read featuring this geographical region during WW2 (the other two were I'm Staying Here and Our Darkest Night), this was my favorite by far!
1. I put it on my WTR list ever since I came across GR friend, Patricia's review over 3 years ago;
2. I enjoy historical fiction; and,
3. January 2024 is my "Celestial Titles" Month!
Praises:
1. author Mark T. Sullivan writes a biographical fiction novel about Giuseppe "Pino" Lella, a 17-year-old boy living in Milan, Italy during the final two years of WW2. I wondered how much of this story was fact and how much was fiction since it read like an action-packed adventure story, until I read the Aftermath pages, which set me straight. I was amazed by how, at such a young age, Pino:
- guided several groups of Jewish refugees and downed Allied pilots over the Italian Alps into neutral Switzerland. These excursions filled me with dread - I felt like I was traversing these treacherous mountains alongside these people! Descriptions of various scenes were much more believable than those written in The Nightingale!
- was in the right place at the right time to become the driver for the influential German Army General Major Hans Leyers, thereby putting Pino in an excellent position to spy on this officer and relay information to the Allies;
- was an eyewitness to several atrocities, especially heartbreaking in regards to loved ones and the extreme guilt (PTSD) he felt over the years at being powerless to do anything; and,
2. I enjoyed the descriptive writing depicting northern Italy. I wished I had paid more attention to various locales in Milan and the role they played during WW2 while visiting during a school trip decades ago.
Niggle:
Some needless repetition of phrases, thoughts and dialogue could have been edited.
Overall Thoughts:
This was a tension-filled look through the eyes of this young boy of what WW2 was like in northern Italy.
Of the three books that I've recently read featuring this geographical region during WW2 (the other two were I'm Staying Here and Our Darkest Night), this was my favorite by far!
September 8, 2019
This is a 3 1/2 rounded up to a 4 because the story is about a real person and there is some good history here and obvious meticulous research.
I thought the writing was good and it flowed well but more editing would definitely have helped. There was too much detailed information about every single trip that Pino drove for the General. There also seemed to be a lot of "close calls" in situations that Pino found himself in. I would like to know if this is all true or based on memory?
This review is going to be short because it's an older library book and there are tons of reviews already out there :)
My favorite part of the novel are the early years helping Fr. Re take many refugees people across the mountains to freedom. In this section the detailed descriptions were much appreciated when describing the beauty of the mountains in this area. Pino grew in so many ways during those years as we watched him become a great skier, a great hiker and mountaineer and a fighter for freedom.
I enjoyed the way the author caught the early youthful innocence, resilience, idealism, etc that were displayed not just by Pino but all of the young people involved in this story.
I have read other book about WWII in Italy and this would be especially informative if you don't know any of this history. Historical fiction is my favorite genre so I've read a lot of WWII book, my very favorite book about this time period is A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell.
I know that I will spend some time looking up the real Pino Lella and more facts about him.
This is an enjoyable historical novel with strong character development.
I thought the writing was good and it flowed well but more editing would definitely have helped. There was too much detailed information about every single trip that Pino drove for the General. There also seemed to be a lot of "close calls" in situations that Pino found himself in. I would like to know if this is all true or based on memory?
This review is going to be short because it's an older library book and there are tons of reviews already out there :)
My favorite part of the novel are the early years helping Fr. Re take many refugees people across the mountains to freedom. In this section the detailed descriptions were much appreciated when describing the beauty of the mountains in this area. Pino grew in so many ways during those years as we watched him become a great skier, a great hiker and mountaineer and a fighter for freedom.
I enjoyed the way the author caught the early youthful innocence, resilience, idealism, etc that were displayed not just by Pino but all of the young people involved in this story.
I have read other book about WWII in Italy and this would be especially informative if you don't know any of this history. Historical fiction is my favorite genre so I've read a lot of WWII book, my very favorite book about this time period is A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell.
I know that I will spend some time looking up the real Pino Lella and more facts about him.
This is an enjoyable historical novel with strong character development.
March 1, 2022
My second by this author. Based on a true story of an Italian teenager, Pino and his experiences during the last two years of the war.
It was a compelling account of all his contributions to the war effort. First he was sent to the Alps by his parents to escape the Nazi invasion of Milan. He helps lead Jews along mountainous routes into Switzerland to escape arrest. When he turns 18, he has to join the German army.
Upon his return to Milan,he saw entire blocks of Milan in ruins with Nazi flags flying and curfews in place. I was immersed in the story and following Pino as he showed such bravery and determination. He was later recruited as driver for a high ranking Nazi officer, General Leyers. He became a spy and was witness to many horrible events. He was a determined boy, full of faith and willing to do whatever was needed.
Written in 2017, this book has over twenty thousand reviews. It is a bit over 500 pages, but I always wanted to pick it up and follow Pino.
I was invested and I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII stories based on real people and events and would be interested in a perspective from Italy. It was suspenseful and emotional.
Library loan/ Feb 2022
It was a compelling account of all his contributions to the war effort. First he was sent to the Alps by his parents to escape the Nazi invasion of Milan. He helps lead Jews along mountainous routes into Switzerland to escape arrest. When he turns 18, he has to join the German army.
Upon his return to Milan,he saw entire blocks of Milan in ruins with Nazi flags flying and curfews in place. I was immersed in the story and following Pino as he showed such bravery and determination. He was later recruited as driver for a high ranking Nazi officer, General Leyers. He became a spy and was witness to many horrible events. He was a determined boy, full of faith and willing to do whatever was needed.
Written in 2017, this book has over twenty thousand reviews. It is a bit over 500 pages, but I always wanted to pick it up and follow Pino.
I was invested and I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII stories based on real people and events and would be interested in a perspective from Italy. It was suspenseful and emotional.
Library loan/ Feb 2022
July 17, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up for a fascinating story of a young Italian teenager in Milan, Italy during WWII. In 1943, Pino Lella is 17 and only interested in girls, his friends and family. But the war intervenes, and his parents send him to a mountain home for boys run by Roman Catholic priests. There, Father Re instructs him to take long hikes in the mountains, along specific routes, many of which are close to the Swiss border. Soon Father Re explains to Pino that he wants him to guide Jewish refugees to the Swiss border, where they are met by a friend.. Pino grows strong and guides many refugees to safety.
But then Pino returns to Milan, where his father insists that he enroll in the German army, where he will be assigned to a safe position and not sent to the Russian front if he is drafted. The death rate for Italian soldiers on the Russian front is 50%. Through a chance encounter, Pino becomes the Driver for General Leyers, in charge of all logistics for the German army in Italy. Leyers reports directly to Hitler. Pino agrees to his Uncle Albert's request to become a spy and pass on information to Albert to be sent to partisans/Allies.
Along the way, Pino finds love and then tragedy. The pages flew by while reading this 526page book--5 days.
One quote: the author, describing his book--"As a result, then, the story you are about to read is not a work of narrative nonfiction, but a novel of biographical and historical fiction that hews closely to what happened to Pino Lella between June 1943 and May 1945."
This was an Amazon Prime eBook.
But then Pino returns to Milan, where his father insists that he enroll in the German army, where he will be assigned to a safe position and not sent to the Russian front if he is drafted. The death rate for Italian soldiers on the Russian front is 50%. Through a chance encounter, Pino becomes the Driver for General Leyers, in charge of all logistics for the German army in Italy. Leyers reports directly to Hitler. Pino agrees to his Uncle Albert's request to become a spy and pass on information to Albert to be sent to partisans/Allies.
Along the way, Pino finds love and then tragedy. The pages flew by while reading this 526page book--5 days.
One quote: the author, describing his book--"As a result, then, the story you are about to read is not a work of narrative nonfiction, but a novel of biographical and historical fiction that hews closely to what happened to Pino Lella between June 1943 and May 1945."
This was an Amazon Prime eBook.
April 5, 2017
This was beautifully written. The events really happened but the author had to add conversations that the subject obviously could not remember decades later word for word. I liked seeing the Holocaust from the viewpoint of what happened in Italy. Most books include little if anything about the suffering that both Mussolini and Hitler wreaked on Italians, both Jews and non-Jews. An amazing book I highly recommend.
January 28, 2018
Although I read it quickly, Beneath a Scarlet Sky did not live up to the beauty of its cover. This was recommended to me so that's mostly why I finished it. I should not have read my Goodreads friends' reviews because they were very critical.
One reason they were, which I think is the most damning is that although it's purported to be the true life story of Pino Lella, a hero of WW 2, there is little supporting evidence for his story and some of the incidents the author reports seem unlikely to have all happened to the same person, let alone a teenage boy.
Pino, the boy, is at seventeen, a skilled, racecar driver, a competent auto mechanic, a translator, (understanding French and German, along with his Italian, well enough to be a secretary for a high ranking German general), he is a mountaineer, safely guiding many refugees over the Alps, a master pianist, able to take up playing brilliantly without practice, and even though a virgin is also a wondrous lover first time out.
One reason they were, which I think is the most damning is that although it's purported to be the true life story of Pino Lella, a hero of WW 2, there is little supporting evidence for his story and some of the incidents the author reports seem unlikely to have all happened to the same person, let alone a teenage boy.
Pino, the boy, is at seventeen, a skilled, racecar driver, a competent auto mechanic, a translator, (understanding French and German, along with his Italian, well enough to be a secretary for a high ranking German general), he is a mountaineer, safely guiding many refugees over the Alps, a master pianist, able to take up playing brilliantly without practice, and even though a virgin is also a wondrous lover first time out.
January 4, 2025
It's mind boggling how bad this book is. The author wants to have it both ways, saying in one place that it's fiction, then saying it "hews closely" to fact and, in the Afterward, writing as if it was all true. You can't have it both ways.
Actually, though, either way it has the same problems, in that the writing is juvenile and the story made me laugh out loud numerous times with how absurd it is. I had to start taking notes just to keep track of the astonishing coincidences and cartoonish tales of Pino's heroism.
I'm going to have to mark all the rest of this review in spoiler tags so that I can convey how looney tunes this book is. Also, it's hard to call this a review. I'm just pouring out my thoughts as fast as I can so that I can move on to a real book.
I've read a lot of WW2 history, and one thing you see a lot is that after the war ended, a whole lot of people suddenly claimed to have been in the resistance. The way this book is written, you have to wonder if this is one of those cases. And although Sullivan says he spent 10 years researching and verified many facts, he never explains what he verified. I do not see a good reason to view this as a true story or even a truth-based story. It's a laughably cartoonish fiction.
It feels weird to me to see so many adoring reviews of this book, especially to see that those reviewers seem to take it all as the gospel truth. I don't know what to make of it. One thing I do know is that Lake Union Publishing is an Amazon imprint and Amazon has advertised this book relentlessly, as it often does with its own imprints. This gives Amazon's books an unfair advantage over traditionally published books. Because of the relentless waves of advertising, Amazon's books will naturally sell well and get a lot of reviews, both on Amazon and here on Goodreads, which is owned by Amazon. I always make sure now to check out the publisher of books that are constantly being shoved at me on Amazon and Goodreads.
Actually, though, either way it has the same problems, in that the writing is juvenile and the story made me laugh out loud numerous times with how absurd it is. I had to start taking notes just to keep track of the astonishing coincidences and cartoonish tales of Pino's heroism.
I'm going to have to mark all the rest of this review in spoiler tags so that I can convey how looney tunes this book is. Also, it's hard to call this a review. I'm just pouring out my thoughts as fast as I can so that I can move on to a real book.
I've read a lot of WW2 history, and one thing you see a lot is that after the war ended, a whole lot of people suddenly claimed to have been in the resistance. The way this book is written, you have to wonder if this is one of those cases. And although Sullivan says he spent 10 years researching and verified many facts, he never explains what he verified. I do not see a good reason to view this as a true story or even a truth-based story. It's a laughably cartoonish fiction.
It feels weird to me to see so many adoring reviews of this book, especially to see that those reviewers seem to take it all as the gospel truth. I don't know what to make of it. One thing I do know is that Lake Union Publishing is an Amazon imprint and Amazon has advertised this book relentlessly, as it often does with its own imprints. This gives Amazon's books an unfair advantage over traditionally published books. Because of the relentless waves of advertising, Amazon's books will naturally sell well and get a lot of reviews, both on Amazon and here on Goodreads, which is owned by Amazon. I always make sure now to check out the publisher of books that are constantly being shoved at me on Amazon and Goodreads.
June 25, 2023
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a well written tale of WW2 espionage and the rescue of Italian Jews by the Catholic Church and the Italian resistance. The main character is an almost unsung hero of the Italian resistance, Pino Lella, who in addition to helping Jews escape to Switzerland, became a spy as the driver for General Hans Leyer. The story, while fictionalized, is, according to Mark Sullivan, based on actual historical events, particularly those concerning Hans Leyer, a commander in the Nazi engineering and construction group, Organization Todt. Very little is known about Leyer other than that he claimed to have worked directly for Hitler instead of Albert Speer, the director of Organization Todt. Based upon this book, he seems to have had much more power and influence in Italy than would be expected of an Organization Todt commander. Even though imprisoned for a time after the war, He escaped prosecution and continued to live as a shadowy and wealthy figure until his death in 1981.
Mr. Sullivan's research concerning Leyer, Pino Lella and the Italian resistance seems to be both solid and extensive. I later learned that Sullivan's information relied heavily on Pino Lella's own account, much of which can not be corroborated. Sullivan's general knowledge of WW2 history is not as solid. Leyer's nephew could not have been killed while serving with the Seventh Panzer Division in North Africa as the division was never in Africa. Other little details such as those concerning some equipment and the relationship between Organization Todt and combat troops is also a little off. However it is an exciting and well written novel of heroism and faith in God.
Four stars for the writing. Two stars for questionable accuracy.
Mr. Sullivan's research concerning Leyer, Pino Lella and the Italian resistance seems to be both solid and extensive. I later learned that Sullivan's information relied heavily on Pino Lella's own account, much of which can not be corroborated. Sullivan's general knowledge of WW2 history is not as solid. Leyer's nephew could not have been killed while serving with the Seventh Panzer Division in North Africa as the division was never in Africa. Other little details such as those concerning some equipment and the relationship between Organization Todt and combat troops is also a little off. However it is an exciting and well written novel of heroism and faith in God.
Four stars for the writing. Two stars for questionable accuracy.
April 3, 2018
This book brought me to tears
This is far and away one of the best books ever on Kindle First. It's a riveting story of love and righteousness. I won't give away more than that. If you want to know the perspective of an Italian during World War II, this is worth the read.
This is far and away one of the best books ever on Kindle First. It's a riveting story of love and righteousness. I won't give away more than that. If you want to know the perspective of an Italian during World War II, this is worth the read.
May 13, 2017
3.5 stars. Beneath a Scarlet Sky gets high marks for telling an interesting story about Italy at the end of WWII. It gets middling marks from me for the delivery. Author Mark T. Sullivan has written a fictionalized account of Pino Selle's Iife during the last year of WWII. Pino was an 18 year old Italian boy compelled to enlist as a German soldier by his family in occupied Milan -- this is how they thought he could stay safe. He ended up working as a driver for a high ranking Nazi officer stationed in Milan -- and also working as a spy for the Italian resistance. Sullivan had the benefit of first hand interviews with 89 year old Pino. As I say, it's a fascinating story. But the delivery could have been better. The writing is very simple and straightforward, which is not necessarily a flaw but may be off putting to some readers. To me, the book did suffer from being longer than necessary. I also felt that Sullivan paints Pino as unrealistically heroic -- he comes across as larger than life and as having emotions that are much simpler than he likely experienced at the time. Whether you are bothered by the weaknesses in the delivery will likely depend on what you are looking for. Great story but simplistic delivery. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
December 30, 2017
3 neutral stars
The book synopsis sums up the first 35% of the novel really well. Therefore, I am not going to summarize the plot here. I didn't hate Beneath a Scarlet Sky, but I didn't really love this book either. I did love the cover, the title, and that this was a WWII era book situated in Italy. Most of the books I read are heavy on the France/Poland narrative and I appreciated the different angle. I will say that it was refreshing to have a male protagonist be shown in a very different light. I have read a few reviews that speculate that Mark T. Sullivan was showcasing the young Pino as somewhat of a superhero.
On the contrary, I was stunned by how incredibly naive Pino was. About rule under Mussolini, the rounding up of the Jewish people, and the oversimplification of the Catholic Church not wanting to take a stand against Adolf Hitler. But the biggest problem I had and where Sullivan really lost me was Pino's involvement as a spy. That is where I begin to question the validity of the story that was being retold on the pages. Maybe I am just not as trusting,but there is something whispering in my ear to be cautious about this tale.
I know, I know, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is rumoured to be a major film starring Tom Holland and the interviews I read from many online websites, including the UK times. The times claim it the "forgotten true story of a real hero who saved Jewish people " and I am sure many people will flock to the cinema and be bowled over by a man who fought against the Nazi occupiers, but I just am not won over by this book. I feel it is in the same category as "All the Light We Cannot See which also received glowing reviews, but was another "ok, I am still the same person after reading this book." Am I becoming more infused with cynicism as I get older?
All in all, it didn't work for me, but it just might for someone else.
The book synopsis sums up the first 35% of the novel really well. Therefore, I am not going to summarize the plot here. I didn't hate Beneath a Scarlet Sky, but I didn't really love this book either. I did love the cover, the title, and that this was a WWII era book situated in Italy. Most of the books I read are heavy on the France/Poland narrative and I appreciated the different angle. I will say that it was refreshing to have a male protagonist be shown in a very different light. I have read a few reviews that speculate that Mark T. Sullivan was showcasing the young Pino as somewhat of a superhero.
On the contrary, I was stunned by how incredibly naive Pino was. About rule under Mussolini, the rounding up of the Jewish people, and the oversimplification of the Catholic Church not wanting to take a stand against Adolf Hitler. But the biggest problem I had and where Sullivan really lost me was Pino's involvement as a spy. That is where I begin to question the validity of the story that was being retold on the pages. Maybe I am just not as trusting,but there is something whispering in my ear to be cautious about this tale.
I know, I know, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is rumoured to be a major film starring Tom Holland and the interviews I read from many online websites, including the UK times. The times claim it the "forgotten true story of a real hero who saved Jewish people " and I am sure many people will flock to the cinema and be bowled over by a man who fought against the Nazi occupiers, but I just am not won over by this book. I feel it is in the same category as "All the Light We Cannot See which also received glowing reviews, but was another "ok, I am still the same person after reading this book." Am I becoming more infused with cynicism as I get older?
All in all, it didn't work for me, but it just might for someone else.
February 16, 2019
What a life Pino Lella! What a life!
That one man can have endured so much, achieved so much and yet also be such an unknown boggles the mind. The book was part biography, part fiction because even with extensive research there were many unanswered questions about this horrendous time in Italy's history. I knew little about Italy's WWII story and found this story to be eye opening. The book took me a long time to read. It was one that I found myself having to put down and walk away from because of all the atrocities, heartache and tragic events in Pino's life. Knowing that these things happened made it harder to read at times. The book would have earned 5 stars for Pino's "story" but the writing style fell a bit flat for me at times. Thankfully, Pino's life experiences spoke loudly over the writing. His story would definitely merit 5 stars!
That one man can have endured so much, achieved so much and yet also be such an unknown boggles the mind. The book was part biography, part fiction because even with extensive research there were many unanswered questions about this horrendous time in Italy's history. I knew little about Italy's WWII story and found this story to be eye opening. The book took me a long time to read. It was one that I found myself having to put down and walk away from because of all the atrocities, heartache and tragic events in Pino's life. Knowing that these things happened made it harder to read at times. The book would have earned 5 stars for Pino's "story" but the writing style fell a bit flat for me at times. Thankfully, Pino's life experiences spoke loudly over the writing. His story would definitely merit 5 stars!
August 24, 2017
The vocabulary and sentence structure seem geared toward about fifth grade.
This book might be very good for those willing to look beyond prose, but it is not for me. I should have known when I saw that James Patterson was praising it, and steered clear. DNF'd at about 35 pages.
As the boys moved on, Mimo limped along while rubbing his right hip and complaining. But Pino was barely listening. A tawny-blond woman with slate-blue eyes was coming down the sidewalk right at them. He guessed her to be in her early twenties. She was beautifully put together, with a gentle nose, high cheekbones, and lips that curled naturally into an easy smile. Svelte and of medium height, she wore a yellow summer dress and carried a canvas shopping bag. She turned off the sidewalk and entered a bakery just ahead.
This book might be very good for those willing to look beyond prose, but it is not for me. I should have known when I saw that James Patterson was praising it, and steered clear. DNF'd at about 35 pages.
July 27, 2018
Lives are lost during wars. We know this. Others are forever changed because of them, as family and friends do not return home, for many the reason is never known. Love can also begin, but then sometimes it's stolen before it has the chance to fully blossom. And there are also the stories of unaccountable bravery. Men and women who give or try, even if only a little, to fight oppression and wrong. Very often, much more than a little was given. And with those, there are stories that are forgotten. Maybe it's due to time passing, or maybe because those who experience war prefer silence to remembering the pain. All I mentioned occurred in Pino Lella's life during World War II, in a span of a mere 2 years. Unbelievably, he was only 17. Circumstance certainly played a role in where Pino often found himself, but isn't it what we do with the circumstance given us? From what I read, he would have been the first to say, “I'm no hero”, because there were moments he truly regretted. A moment in which he called himself a coward. But no Pino, you were never that.
I'm caught between completely loving this true story (yes, it's based on a real life. Amazing really – I think some may argue against simply because of that word), and not wholly loving the writing. It's not hard to love a person like Pino, or feel deeply for what he and his family went through in the midst of war. The story is great, the writing is good for certain, but not always expressive. Straightforward prose, not beautiful. Bottom line though, I will not forget my time in it, nor this man's life.
I'm caught between completely loving this true story (yes, it's based on a real life. Amazing really – I think some may argue against simply because of that word), and not wholly loving the writing. It's not hard to love a person like Pino, or feel deeply for what he and his family went through in the midst of war. The story is great, the writing is good for certain, but not always expressive. Straightforward prose, not beautiful. Bottom line though, I will not forget my time in it, nor this man's life.
April 15, 2020
This is a magnificent read from beginning to end, and past the end to the epilogue that tells what happened to all the real-life characters ... action, emotion, reflection, mystery, suspense, passion ... bigger than life in many ways but still believable ... a very well-structured and well-written story based on true events not recorded until 70+ years after ...
UPDATE *** As is my habit, I did not read the other GR reviews before writing my own ... Wow, was I surprised ... the diversity of opinion is remarkable ... I don't remember seeing a book with so many good and bad reviews ... but the bad reviews do not lead me to change mine; I liked the book, which I approached as a novel and not a memoir ... sure there were many coincidences, some not fully believable, but they all served to allow the author to portray powerful events though the lens of his "fictional character" ... it's a novel!
UPDATE *** As is my habit, I did not read the other GR reviews before writing my own ... Wow, was I surprised ... the diversity of opinion is remarkable ... I don't remember seeing a book with so many good and bad reviews ... but the bad reviews do not lead me to change mine; I liked the book, which I approached as a novel and not a memoir ... sure there were many coincidences, some not fully believable, but they all served to allow the author to portray powerful events though the lens of his "fictional character" ... it's a novel!
June 24, 2024
Based on true events, this was a page turning novel. Biographical fiction, adventure & thriller rolled into one. Pino Lella is sent away to a boys school in the Italian alps by his family to keep him safe from the bombs falling on Milan and the Nazi occupation. Little did they know that far from being safe, he embarks on the dangerous work of helping Jewish people escape Italy over the alps into Switzerland. When Pino is close to his 18th birthday and could be conscripted into the Italian Army fighting with the Germans, his parents fear he will be sent to the Russian front & killed like so many before him. They implore him to enlist in the German Army to keep him from the Russian front. It sends him off on a new trajectory that that is just as dangerous as guiding Jews across the mountains. It will cost him the respect of friends and family yet bring him into proximity to his first love.
The atrocities Pino witnesses are difficult to read but are events that mold his resolve to do everything he can to help his fellow citizens and the allies in their efforts to push the Germans out of Italy.
The aftermath wraps up a number of details of what happened to many of the people after the war. I appreciated knowing those details.
The best thing is to grieve for the people you have loved and lost, and then welcome and love the new people life puts in front of you.
The atrocities Pino witnesses are difficult to read but are events that mold his resolve to do everything he can to help his fellow citizens and the allies in their efforts to push the Germans out of Italy.
The aftermath wraps up a number of details of what happened to many of the people after the war. I appreciated knowing those details.
The best thing is to grieve for the people you have loved and lost, and then welcome and love the new people life puts in front of you.
November 22, 2023
Is it super unrealistic? Yes! There's no way all of this happened to one person. Is it historically accurate? I have no idea. Does it deserve all the praise it's gotten? No! Does it feel like it was written by a teenager? Sometimes! Is it worth your time to read it? I think so. Was it an enjoyable and good story? Yes. (Note the lack of exclamation point though.) If you're expecting to be wowed, you won't be. If you think this has the potential to be your next favorite book, it doesn't. If your "friend" said it was "amazing", rethink that friendship. Now, let's discuss what Beneath a Scarlett Sky does have. The story itself (although unrealistic) is highly entertaining and mildly captivating. The characters may be shallow, but they're likable and entertaining. It might seem like a 17-year-old wrote it, but it was a smart 17-year-old, who has an A+ in AP English. Just don't put too much stock in it beforehand, and don't overthink it while you're knee-deep in war-torn Italy. Just enjoy the story.
August 7, 2018
A powerful book, that ai highly recommend. I have read many books on this subject but none from the viewpoint of Italy. An excellent read.
November 19, 2017
Masterful tale of a young man’s courageous struggle to fight for the greater good during the Nazi occupation of Milan during World War II.
SUMMARY
Although a work of fiction this novel is based on a true story with a real hero. At the heart of the story is a normal seventeen-year-old Italian boy named Pino Lella. He is obsessed with music, finding a girl, and falling in love. But then in 1943, the bombs start dropping on Milan and his family home is destroyed. His parents send him to a camp in the mountains to escape the bombardment and the occupation. While in the mountains he guides Jewish refugees across rugged terrain to the Swiss border. When he returns to Milan his parents surprisingly insist that he voluntarily join the German army in order to avoid the draft and having to fight on the front lines. Pino’s role in the army as a driver for a high ranking German general, allows him to witness significant events during the war. Pino uses these opportunities to spy for the partisans until the war ends in 1945.
REVIEW
This is an unforgettable, authentic story of courage, love and forgiveness. Mark Sullivan’s amazing writing transports us to Milan in 1943 where he has captured the fear and anguish of the turbulent times. This epic novel is steeped in personal accounts of events, and as a result the details, dialogs and emotions are mesmerizing. Sullivan’s opportunity to interview the seventy-year old Pino Lella allowed Pino’s character in the book to come to life. Beneath A Scarlet Sky is full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs and love and heartbreak. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates historical fiction. This is one of my very favorite books of 2017.
SUMMARY
Although a work of fiction this novel is based on a true story with a real hero. At the heart of the story is a normal seventeen-year-old Italian boy named Pino Lella. He is obsessed with music, finding a girl, and falling in love. But then in 1943, the bombs start dropping on Milan and his family home is destroyed. His parents send him to a camp in the mountains to escape the bombardment and the occupation. While in the mountains he guides Jewish refugees across rugged terrain to the Swiss border. When he returns to Milan his parents surprisingly insist that he voluntarily join the German army in order to avoid the draft and having to fight on the front lines. Pino’s role in the army as a driver for a high ranking German general, allows him to witness significant events during the war. Pino uses these opportunities to spy for the partisans until the war ends in 1945.
REVIEW
This is an unforgettable, authentic story of courage, love and forgiveness. Mark Sullivan’s amazing writing transports us to Milan in 1943 where he has captured the fear and anguish of the turbulent times. This epic novel is steeped in personal accounts of events, and as a result the details, dialogs and emotions are mesmerizing. Sullivan’s opportunity to interview the seventy-year old Pino Lella allowed Pino’s character in the book to come to life. Beneath A Scarlet Sky is full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs and love and heartbreak. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates historical fiction. This is one of my very favorite books of 2017.
November 6, 2024
This is the story of Pino Lella a normal Italian teenager. Unfortunately, his days of innocence are numbered, because soon his family home will be destroyed by bombs, and he will be part of an underground railroad helping Jews escape the Nazis.
His parents think that if he enlists as a German soldier he will be protected, but once he is injured, he is recruited at 18 to be the personal driver for General Hans Leyers, one of Adolf Hitler’s most important commanders. Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret.
Pino’s story is closely based on a true story, which makes it even more compelling.
As the story progresses into the war years, it becomes more fascinating and action-packed.
The author makes us witness to the many atrocities of the war, which are difficult to read at times. But as readers we are pulling for Pino.
At the same time, we root for Pino as he experiences the tenderness of romance with Anna, a girl he met while helping with the underground railroad.
This is a thought-provoking, emotional story. Heart-wrenching, as well. A well-researched WWII drama. But...
Flawed in some ways. The author could have done better.
Still... I stayed with it, and appreciated it.
His parents think that if he enlists as a German soldier he will be protected, but once he is injured, he is recruited at 18 to be the personal driver for General Hans Leyers, one of Adolf Hitler’s most important commanders. Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret.
Pino’s story is closely based on a true story, which makes it even more compelling.
As the story progresses into the war years, it becomes more fascinating and action-packed.
The author makes us witness to the many atrocities of the war, which are difficult to read at times. But as readers we are pulling for Pino.
At the same time, we root for Pino as he experiences the tenderness of romance with Anna, a girl he met while helping with the underground railroad.
This is a thought-provoking, emotional story. Heart-wrenching, as well. A well-researched WWII drama. But...
Flawed in some ways. The author could have done better.
Still... I stayed with it, and appreciated it.
May 7, 2018
3 I so wished I could have loved it stars
5 stars for the bravery that Pino and others showed
This should have been a book I adored. It had all the elements of what I so enjoy in my books, heroes, World War 2, courage, nobility in the face of devastation and yet this novel left me feeling oddly displeased.
This is the story of a seventeen year old young man living in Italy during the war. He is sent away because his parents fear for his and his bother's safety. They are sent to a school in the Alps run by Catholic priests. The boys are eventually asked to embark on missions to help secret Jews away to Switzerland. The job these boys understood was not only dangerous because of the weather, the climbing, and the Nazis, but it also required the boys to be physically and mentally strong and agile. Pino and Mimo gladly accept the task and they guide many Jews to safety. When Pino approaches his eighteenth birthday, his parents call him home from the school fearing the draft, knowing that the Italian army will send him to fight in Russia which was certain death. They have him enlist in the Nazi army and it is through his facility with languages that he becomes a driver for General Leyes, a powerful Nazi.
Pino Lella and his brother were true heroes and while Pino went on to be a spy while being the driver of a high ranking Nazi general, Mimo eventually joins the resistance. Of course what Pino is doing must be hidden so many of his friends and even relatives abhor his being a Nazi. He, at many times is the recipient of scorn and hatred. The war continues, Pino finds the girl, Anna, working as a maid for the mistress of General Leyes. He had been attracted to her previously. Anna and Pino connect, fall in love, and become lovers.
The tension and the possibility of Pino's capture and the secrets he carries to his aunt and uncle makes for the bulk of the book. We learn of what he has witnessed, the transportation of the Jews to Auschwitz, the murders committed and the brutality of the Nazi overlords, the robbing of the Italian treasury, the robbing of Italian treasures and the taking of lives of the innocent.
So why did this book fall flat for me? I have to think that sometimes an author tries too hard to cram every thought, every deed, every moment into a story. For me, that often makes for a read that I find overburdened with wordiness. What Pino and others did was amazing on so many levels. Their courage, their ability to face adversity was awe inspiring. I just wish the author had been able to inspire that awe in me.
Thank you to my local library for purchasing this book for all to read.
You can find my reviews at my blog https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
5 stars for the bravery that Pino and others showed
This should have been a book I adored. It had all the elements of what I so enjoy in my books, heroes, World War 2, courage, nobility in the face of devastation and yet this novel left me feeling oddly displeased.
This is the story of a seventeen year old young man living in Italy during the war. He is sent away because his parents fear for his and his bother's safety. They are sent to a school in the Alps run by Catholic priests. The boys are eventually asked to embark on missions to help secret Jews away to Switzerland. The job these boys understood was not only dangerous because of the weather, the climbing, and the Nazis, but it also required the boys to be physically and mentally strong and agile. Pino and Mimo gladly accept the task and they guide many Jews to safety. When Pino approaches his eighteenth birthday, his parents call him home from the school fearing the draft, knowing that the Italian army will send him to fight in Russia which was certain death. They have him enlist in the Nazi army and it is through his facility with languages that he becomes a driver for General Leyes, a powerful Nazi.
Pino Lella and his brother were true heroes and while Pino went on to be a spy while being the driver of a high ranking Nazi general, Mimo eventually joins the resistance. Of course what Pino is doing must be hidden so many of his friends and even relatives abhor his being a Nazi. He, at many times is the recipient of scorn and hatred. The war continues, Pino finds the girl, Anna, working as a maid for the mistress of General Leyes. He had been attracted to her previously. Anna and Pino connect, fall in love, and become lovers.
The tension and the possibility of Pino's capture and the secrets he carries to his aunt and uncle makes for the bulk of the book. We learn of what he has witnessed, the transportation of the Jews to Auschwitz, the murders committed and the brutality of the Nazi overlords, the robbing of the Italian treasury, the robbing of Italian treasures and the taking of lives of the innocent.
So why did this book fall flat for me? I have to think that sometimes an author tries too hard to cram every thought, every deed, every moment into a story. For me, that often makes for a read that I find overburdened with wordiness. What Pino and others did was amazing on so many levels. Their courage, their ability to face adversity was awe inspiring. I just wish the author had been able to inspire that awe in me.
Thank you to my local library for purchasing this book for all to read.
You can find my reviews at my blog https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
May 9, 2025
Das ist wieder eine Bewertung, die mir schwerfällt. Der Geschichte an sich würde ich gerne fünf Sterne geben, weil sie wirklich spannend und erschütternd/schockierend ist, zumal sie auf wahren Begebenheiten beruht.
Aber dafür, dass diese Ereignisse in den letzten beiden Kriegsjahren 1944/1945 so unfassbar scheinen, wurden sie hier recht nüchtern erzählt. Sehr sachlich, fast emotionslos. Für einen Roman war mir das zu nüchtern; es hat mich nicht wirklich packen können.
Aber dafür, dass diese Ereignisse in den letzten beiden Kriegsjahren 1944/1945 so unfassbar scheinen, wurden sie hier recht nüchtern erzählt. Sehr sachlich, fast emotionslos. Für einen Roman war mir das zu nüchtern; es hat mich nicht wirklich packen können.
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