I recently finished Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan, and wow… this book was gripping. It’s one Mother read first, then passed along to my brother-in-law, and finally to me. Each of us was completely taken by it. The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it all the more remarkable – and nearly unbelievable if I ‘m being honest. Of all the WWII historical fiction I’ve read (and loved), this one is truly a standout.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky tells the true story of Pino Lella, an ordinary young Italian man whose life is upended by the war. At just seventeen, he begins secretly guiding Jewish families across the Alps into Switzerland. Later, when his parents force him to enlist to avoid being sent to the front, Pino is recruited to serve as a driver for a high-ranking Nazi general. From that vantage point, he risks everything to become a spy for the Allies, all while navigating love, loss, and the harrowing realities of war. It’s an epic tale of courage, resilience, and survival – the kind of story that feels larger than life, except it really happened.
I’ve devoured many WWII novels over the years… The Nightingale, The Book of Lost Names, The Alice Network, The Rose Code, The Things We Cannot Say, All the Broken Places, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Prisoner B-3087… and that’s just off the top of my head. But what sets this one apart is that it’s not fiction. It’s a true account of one man’s extraordinary bravery in impossible circumstances.
On a personal note, I especially loved that so many of the places featured in the book were ones I’ve visited myself on our trip to Italy and Switzerland. Como, Lake Maggiore, Milan… it added another layer of connection and made the story come alive for me in a way I won’t forget.
All in all, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a triumphant and unforgettable read. One I’ll be recommending for years to come.
Next up on my bedside stack is a fun little mystery my mom passed along: The Rose of Savannah. I can’t wait to dive in! What’s on your bedside?
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