Beneath a Scarlet Sky

The Best Thing? It Really Happened!

Rarely in life do we learn of unknown men and women who lived extraordinary lives far bigger than any Hollywood creation. Pino Lella is such a man. This story is based on actual, documented events in WW2 a 17 -18 year old Pino experienced.

We are introduced to Pino in the last two years of WW2. As the author points out, little is written in fiction or non-fiction about the virtual German occupation of Italy. Politically the two countries were considered allies, but in reality it was the German Army controlling Itialian forces as well as political policies. Mussolini was under house arrest by 1944-45, guarded by Germans. The country may have looked Fascist to the world, but its peoples were deeply divided politically between Fascist, Nazi, Communist and Democratic Populists.

Pino was and remains an upbeat, confident and humble man. Like most people who lived and fought in WW2, he reluctantly shared his story after over 50 years silence. In the two years he was active, he led jewish families to Sweden, joined the Nazi army as a spy, and was the driver for the highest ranking General in Italy. He served as the General's interpreter to Mussolini, and actually met him on numerous occasions. Keep in mind Pino was 18 when war ended.

The story is as complicated as Italy's politics were at the time. In under two years, Lella falls in love, becomes a hero by risking his life to save several Jewish families, joins the German Army to be a spy, is forsaken as a traitor to his friends and family and suffers tremendous loss through it all.

The writing and narration is eloquent and seemless. This is one of the best books Audible has to offer.

290 of 302 people found this review helpful

History as good as fiction

Any additional comments?

I'm a daily listener to audiobooks while I commute. This book was SO good at captivating me and making mental images that it was almost too distracting to my driving!So in short, I dont write many reviews, but I LOVED this book...the story was great, the narrator was top-flight with excellent charachter portrayals, and the slice of life & time during WWII in N Italy satisfied the history buff in me. It really was as good or better than alot of fiction, but it was all true!

182 of 192 people found this review helpful

Wow! This is a 10 star story!!!

This is one of the best books I've read or listened to, ever!!! I'm so thankful that such a gifted, talented writer took the time over 10 years to listen to and research this man's recounting of his life in Milan during World War II. Please take the time to read or listen to this book, in order to appreciate the heroism and sacrifice of this young man during the war. It makes me very sad, to think that without the persistence of this author, Pino could have died and his story never told! You'll never forget this book. Also, the narrator was the best!!!

87 of 92 people found this review helpful

Heartbreaking but amazing story

What did you love best about Beneath a Scarlet Sky?

The author brought history and emotion together in a way that had me captivated from the first moment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them, he did a great job developing all the characters into people I cared about. Regardless of how big or small their part was in the story.

41 of 44 people found this review helpful

Just wow. Thank you Mark Sullivan....

I rarely review, but this was such a different, human perspective of WW2 in Italy and showed so clearly, how murky options and people can be in real life. I will bear witness to Pino's story, and remember he and Anna always..great narration too.

37 of 41 people found this review helpful

Great idea, some weak spots, OK overall

What made the experience of listening to Beneath a Scarlet Sky the most enjoyable?

This was an amazing story. The book lapsed into trite sentimentality several times with invented conversations in an attempt to flesh out the facts of the story and make it more believable. NOT NECESSARY! This book went in wild swings from amazing with the actual true story to deep lows when the author tried to invent conversations and add personal romance and drama. Again, NOT NECESSARY and those invented moments became a bit of "you have to be kidding me" moments in an otherwise outstanding true story. The true facts were amazing.....the invented fictional parts were completely weak.

Have you listened to any of Will Damron’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Wonderful narrator. Would be delighted to listen to other books by him.

44 of 49 people found this review helpful

Dramatized true story of Pino Lella

Beneath the Scarlet Sky is set in northern Italy in and around Milan during WWII. It is a dramatized story of a young man named Pino Lella who was a hero of the fascist resistance. This interesting novel is well written and narrated. The story is excessively wordy and slow moving which I have decided to overlook due to its historical importance.

19 of 21 people found this review helpful

A Story to Stay in Your Heart

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If someone would love a great story, almost beyond belief, and a true life hero who emerged when the times demanded a hero, then I would say - read this book!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beneath a Scarlet Sky?

There were many moment, some heartbreaking (as a WWII era story, one would expect it) but also hope in the midst of overwhelming odds.

Have you listened to any of Will Damron’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent performer. As any regular to Audible knows, the greatest works are those whose performers make the stories come alive - they go beyond just saying the words and they create characters and action through their talents. They become artists of the spoken word. Mr. Damron's presentation is dynamic, his vocal tone is resonant so very pleasing to listen to for a length of a book, and his acting skills are clearly key to a successful story. He was spot on for this demanding, enriching story.

Who was the most memorable character of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and why?

The main character - the hero of course. But much of the book is very memorable due to characters involved.

Any additional comments?

True stories of people who go beyond what they might do and become heroes when heroes are needed is just what we need right now! This is not a light story - no story of war would be or should be - but it is alive. Very important history.

25 of 28 people found this review helpful

Riveting unknown story

I continue to be fascinated and devastated by WWII stories. this is one of the best. I now want to visit the scenes in Milan.

20 of 23 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

What did you like best about Beneath a Scarlet Sky? What did you like least?

I enjoy World War II stories, especially those heavily based on real persons and events, so I found the historical part of the story interesting. The positive reviews had me expecting much more than I got out of this story though. I should have read some of the 3-star reviews because I completely agree that the writing style is simplistic and the characters are not well developed. I got sick of being told how awesome Pino was instead of being allowed to figure it out on my own. The love story is sappy. I disagree with the book description that claims this story is on level with recent popular and well-written stories about WWII like "All the Light We Cannot See," "The Nightingale" "Unbroken" or "Boys in the Boat". I've read them all and even though this plot had so much potential, at times I was so weary of the writing that I couldn't wait to finish.

Would you recommend Beneath a Scarlet Sky to your friends? Why or why not?

My reader friends and family expect more than just a good plot. The writing style prohibits me from recommending it to others.

Did Will Damron do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

He was okay.

Could you see Beneath a Scarlet Sky being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

The story has potential for a good movie with a decent screen writer.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful