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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
It goes without saying that there is barely any place for beauty amidst World War II, but this book was just about as beautiful as you could get recalling the horrors of the 1940s.
Based on the true story of a sweet Italian teen turned undercover allied spy, Beneath A Scarlet Sky delivers themes of unimaginable tragedy cut with love, hope, and warmth. There is something inexplicably comforting about the story of Pino Lella and the raw human-ness that is brought out of war heroes in times of great suffering.
I don’t want to give too much away, as I think this book actually has a place on many peoples bookshelves, so I’ll let you uncover his story on your own and in your own way. But I will say that this account surprised me. I am usually quite weary of reading war books as they tend to romanticize war instead of properly conveying the torment that it causes. In my eyes, Beneath A Scarlet Sky is not that at all. It didn’t even make America out to be the hero it tries to remember itself as.
I would be remiss to end this review without admitting that Pino Lella reminds me of my own grandfather, who acted heroically in World War II himself and who was only 8 years younger than the Italian spy. It is books like this that inspire us to be just a little bit better in this world and to be just a little bit more grateful for what we do have.
Thank you, Sloane, for this incredible read <3
TW: Holocaust, war, violence, genocide, murder, suicide, terrorism
Based on the true story of a sweet Italian teen turned undercover allied spy, Beneath A Scarlet Sky delivers themes of unimaginable tragedy cut with love, hope, and warmth. There is something inexplicably comforting about the story of Pino Lella and the raw human-ness that is brought out of war heroes in times of great suffering.
I don’t want to give too much away, as I think this book actually has a place on many peoples bookshelves, so I’ll let you uncover his story on your own and in your own way. But I will say that this account surprised me. I am usually quite weary of reading war books as they tend to romanticize war instead of properly conveying the torment that it causes. In my eyes, Beneath A Scarlet Sky is not that at all. It didn’t even make America out to be the hero it tries to remember itself as.
I would be remiss to end this review without admitting that Pino Lella reminds me of my own grandfather, who acted heroically in World War II himself and who was only 8 years younger than the Italian spy. It is books like this that inspire us to be just a little bit better in this world and to be just a little bit more grateful for what we do have.
Thank you, Sloane, for this incredible read <3
TW: Holocaust, war, violence, genocide, murder, suicide, terrorism
it wasn’t that bad just so long and kinda cheesy writing style i just knew i would’ve been underwhelmed had i finished it. disappointing bc the story sounded interesting but over 100 pages in and the story was just dragging too much
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
It’s a 3.5 rating
It is a lovely story of a man who did all he could to survive the war in Nazi Italy and keep himself safe. It’s a story of being pragmatic, courage , love , hope , belief and surviving. It makes an excellent reading and tell us how we need to adapt both in self and ideals in order to survive .
It will make you laugh , pensive and shake your head in disbelief, yet somewhere deep down it’s an incomplete tale of an incomplete man during a portion of his life. I also think the writer at some point loses objectivity and falls in love too much with the man - the hero to question his morals as should have .
A fine read and shows real life aspects of World War II. Go read it
It is a lovely story of a man who did all he could to survive the war in Nazi Italy and keep himself safe. It’s a story of being pragmatic, courage , love , hope , belief and surviving. It makes an excellent reading and tell us how we need to adapt both in self and ideals in order to survive .
It will make you laugh , pensive and shake your head in disbelief, yet somewhere deep down it’s an incomplete tale of an incomplete man during a portion of his life. I also think the writer at some point loses objectivity and falls in love too much with the man - the hero to question his morals as should have .
A fine read and shows real life aspects of World War II. Go read it
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Long book but I enjoyed the author's writing style and how the book is based on real people and events. It was easy to read and very interesting.
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Interesting story but seems improbable. Could one person really have all of those things happen to them?
Also, the writing was weak and annoying. Felt like a YA read. A very long YA read.
Also, the writing was weak and annoying. Felt like a YA read. A very long YA read.
That was a fantastic tale. Wow. Gripping me the whole way. Pino Lella my friend, you lived one outrageous life. Hats off to you if even only half of this is true. Sorry for your loss of Anna.