Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is based on the extraordinary true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who becomes involved in the resistance during World War II. I was drawn to this book because it promised to explore a part of history we don’t often see in fiction, the Italian perspective of the war. First published in 2017, it became a bestseller thanks to word of mouth, book clubs, and its blend of history and human drama. From the opening pages, it’s clear that this is not only a story of survival but also of courage, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people.

✅ What I Liked:
The strongest part of the novel is its subject matter. Pino’s journey, from helping Jews escape across the Alps, to becoming the driver for a Nazi general, reads like something from a film, yet it’s rooted in fact. I appreciated how Sullivan highlighted the bravery of a teenager forced to make impossible choices in the face of unimaginable danger. The descriptions of Italy’s landscapes—the mountains, the ruined cities, the everyday lives disrupted by war—were vivid and cinematic. It’s also a deeply emotional read; Pino’s love story with Anna added a tender thread of humanity amidst the brutality of war.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
At times, the writing itself felt uneven. The story is so remarkable that it sometimes outshines the prose, which can veer into clunky or straightforward rather than lyrical. Some of the dialogue didn’t always feel natural, and occasionally I wanted more depth to the characters beyond their actions. Still, the sheer power of Pino’s story carried me through.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy historical fiction that sheds light on lesser-known aspects of World War II, this is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and wonder why we haven’t heard more about heroes like Pino. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will find much to admire here.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is one of those novels where the true story is so compelling, it almost doesn’t matter if the writing style isn’t perfect. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, acts of bravery and love can shine through. I came away moved, informed, and with a greater appreciation of a forgotten corner of history.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE of HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ –