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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. That was an amazing book; made even more so by the fact that it’s all closely based on a true story. I know almost nothing about Italy's experience of WW2 and I leaned a lot through this book. Absolutely recommend!
Vi que tinha dado 4 ⭐ no passado, mas hoje vou comprar outro dele e lembrei-me que tinha que corrigir isto
WWII Historical fiction can be a bit overdone. I’ve read a lot of them. But this one is special because it follows the true tale of Pino Lella, a young Italian turned spy for the Allies. It shows how humanity did and did not exist and how everyday people dealt with the atrocities brought to their front doors via war.
I especially like that Sullivan provides us with insight into what happens to the real-life characters post WWII.
I do feel that the book was long, but in my opinion the longevity is necessary. All of Pino’s story deserves to be told and heard.
I especially like that Sullivan provides us with insight into what happens to the real-life characters post WWII.
I do feel that the book was long, but in my opinion the longevity is necessary. All of Pino’s story deserves to be told and heard.
I'm in conflict over my rating of this book. The story, if thinking of it as true, is absolutely incredible. The things Pino sees and does is unbelievable. After finishing, I thought I'd give this book four stars. Not for the writing which I thought was average, but for the amazing and inspiring story.
However, after finishing the book and doing some research, it would seem as though the truthfulness of the account has been thrown into question.
If I were to think of the story advertised as fully fictional with the writing being average, I'd give it three stars. If I were to think of the story as made up and falsely advertised as true, with average writing, I'd give it one star.
I don't think anyone will ever know for certain the extent of the truth, except for Pino Lella perhaps. If some events are accurate and some are glorified or completey fabricated for dramatic effect, I think it unfortunately makes one question and doubt the entirety of the account.
However, after finishing the book and doing some research, it would seem as though the truthfulness of the account has been thrown into question.
If I were to think of the story advertised as fully fictional with the writing being average, I'd give it three stars. If I were to think of the story as made up and falsely advertised as true, with average writing, I'd give it one star.
I don't think anyone will ever know for certain the extent of the truth, except for Pino Lella perhaps. If some events are accurate and some are glorified or completey fabricated for dramatic effect, I think it unfortunately makes one question and doubt the entirety of the account.
#36 of 2023: Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan.
Beneath the Scarlet Sky is a true (but also fictionalized) story of an Italian teenager thrown into a life of secrecy during the last two years of WWII in Italy. From guiding Jews over the alps into Switzerland to enlisting in the German Army and funneling information to the Italian Resistance and Allied forces, Pino’s got GUTS and a strong conviction to do what’s right.
Beneath the Scarlet Sky is a true (but also fictionalized) story of an Italian teenager thrown into a life of secrecy during the last two years of WWII in Italy. From guiding Jews over the alps into Switzerland to enlisting in the German Army and funneling information to the Italian Resistance and Allied forces, Pino’s got GUTS and a strong conviction to do what’s right.
Read this in just over 2 days - a chilling story about a part of the war I was not familiar with and a hero I had never heard of. A good reminder of why we fight against tyranny and fight for refugees.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My new favorite book, one I feel everyone should read. A story of bravery and courage, love and hope. So many beautiful lines in this book that I want to remember forever.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of this book, but after a few chapters I couldn't stop.
Based on true events, the past remember over many decades. The coming of age of a young Italian boy, Pino Lella, during WWII, his role(s) he played until the war ended.
Family, helping Jews escape, spying on German officials, falling in love, and dealing with devastating losses.
Based on true events, the past remember over many decades. The coming of age of a young Italian boy, Pino Lella, during WWII, his role(s) he played until the war ended.
Family, helping Jews escape, spying on German officials, falling in love, and dealing with devastating losses.