Pino is a son, skier, smuggler, but most importantly, Pino is a survivor.

The teenager is denied a normal life when bombs rain down on Milan as Allied forces attempt to reclaim Italy from German occupation. Pino is called to action by his faith and family, which leads him down a road filled with harrowing tragedy along with incredible feats of compassion and valor.

From the beginning, I immediately related to Pino; he is a regular, outgoing seventeen year old who loves his family, music and girls. Over the few years following the bombings, his boyish charm evolves into distressed heroism. Despite his loss of innocence, Pino remains a romantic, true to himself and those he loves.

The novel depicts the true story of Pino Lella as his adolescence unfolds into a “Choose Your Own Adventure”, except with real-life, dire consequences. The young man’s voyage takes him high into the Italian Alps where he sneaks Jews across treacherous terrain to safety in Switzerland. From there, he enlists in the German army as an attempt to avoid service on the front lines in Russia. By happenstance, he becomes a chauffeur for a high-ranking German official, General Leyers. As his driver, Pino is exposed to shocking historical figures, unspeakable war atrocities, and love.

Sullivan molds actual events into a beautiful novel that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Beneath a Scarlet Sky is more than a book about the “Forgotten Front” of World War II. It is ultimately a love story, but not just of man and woman, but of man and his family, community, and life. Any fan of historical fiction or romance should pick up this powerful read today.

Finish this book before it is adapted into a film starring Tom Holland (Spiderman)! I think you will agree that he is the perfect choice to play such a genuine and crafty character.

Jen’s Take
I loved this book and find I don’t have much to add to what Pasquale has already said.

For me, the most striking aspect of this book is that it is based on real life events. Pino is the perfect protagionist – young, brave, loyal and a little bit stupid (as we all were at 17). Seeing through his eyes the complete transformation that occurred in Northern Italy during World War II was both shocking and incredibly interesting. Despite the disarray that surrounds him, Pino is drawn to doing the right thing and helping the Italian cause.

While this book was on the longer side, it was completely worth it. I found myself excited, hopeful and at times terrified for what would happen to Pino. This story epitomizes the devastation and atrocities of war and the ultimate sacrifice many Italians, including Pino, were forced to make to survive. It is a must read!

Verdict: Read it!
Length: 526 pages
Quote: “But you—you were not afraid. You kept your wits about you. You are what I used to call ‘a young man of action.’”
When: On your next European vacation… preferably on Lake Como.
Also Try: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Dooer

Buy Beneath a Scarley Sky HERE