Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Book Review - Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan


 Cover blurb that captures attention - In World War II Italy, Love Was Worth Spying For

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan is a fictionalized version of a young man's true story from WWII Italy.  There are far more tales of Germany, Poland, and France. But Italy had some incredible dark hours and Pino Lella was a teenage in love who had no skin in the game until he DID.  He joined an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps. 

Then, after enlisting as a German soldier, Pino ended up as the driver for General Hans Leyers - a right hand man to Hitler. As a spy for the Allies, inside the High Command, Pino holds a lot of responsibility. Yet, he's still a teen in love.  The author captures all of the emotions of a teen in flux with the backdrop of war and the pressures involved.  We see Pino grow into a man, endure the horrors of war, be involved in death, and fight to live. 

This is a page turning saga and amazing that it's based on a real man. The author did his research, met and talked with Pino Lella, and captured a time and place in history that will live forever.  Well done!

7 comments:

  1. This sounds a wonderful book Joanne, Loved the title.
    Hope it does well.
    Yvonne.

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    1. you would like this book. Just amazing that it's based on a true story. And reading the author notes, I think he really stayed true

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  2. Hi Joanne - thanks for letting us know about his book. I know a lot happened in Italy ... access from northern Europe, and from Spain/Portugal and over to Africa. My father served there ... and sadly my mother's first husband was killed there just before the end of the War. Good to know about another well written book - all the best to him, and to you - Hilary

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    1. Sadly, the man did pass away (close to 90 years old), but he was happy with the book and that his story was out there.

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  3. This sounds like a super book. I'm slowly getting back to reading again, and recently bought some really intense non-fiction tales... like "Just Mercy" and "Boys in the Boat." My cousin also introduced me to author Erik Larson, and he's written a bunch of books centered on fascinating periods of history. I'm gonna start with one about an American father and daughter who are in Germany just prior to WWII, but if all goes well, I hope to read 'em all.

    Take care, honey bunny, and I hope you and Ray enjoy a wonderful Easter.

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    1. cheers my friend. And yes, I've read a lot of Erik Larson - really good stuff. He pulls you in and you learn things too - quite the combo.
      Read on your patio - you get sunshine, it counts as outdoor exercise! Use sunscreen.
      Easter hug!

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    2. Good to know you're a Larson fan. I dunno how he slipped past my radar up until now, but I think he's going to become a clear favorite.

      Yeah, sunscreen. I've already gotten sunburned this year, doggone it. (Happens every year...)

      Thanks so much for the sweet card. Hugs back atcha.

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