OMG! What a phenomenal true story. It is hard to imagine the spirit of the resistors, and what they risked to help bring a war to end. Yes, I would re ommend this book, for it is almost impossible to put down.
Although I am 3/4 done, I'm rating now in hopes it bumps up one more star. Overall, Under the Scarlett Sky is a great story about family, young love, and the trials and tribulations of surviving the last few years of the Holocaust. It is a detailed story about Pino - a non-jew teenager who was forced to join the fight but found a way to stay true to his family and beliefs and shared what he was seeing and experienced along the way. I often felt the emotions in each description, but it is a long, detailed account that lacks a true climax (unless it's coming at the very end of the book). I often would stop reading because it was taking so long to get to another gripping moment.
It is almost unthinkable that something would render me speechless- I talk a lot and love language. But this book was so remarkable, I stopped all of my activities on a Saturday and just read and read until I was finished, and was completely speechless when I was done. The characters are so compelling, the story so riveting, and the thought that the history it is based upon could have been lost if it had not been for the author and all the researchers who helped him- just amazing.
A stunningly beautiful and tragic story all rolled into one. The fact that it’s true and was brought to life by the tenacity of an author who chose to learn about the man whose story is told, is a testament to how much we can learn from those who survive wars. It’s amazing that this story documents only two years of a young man’s life, but it no doubt shaped him forever in ways we can’t imagine. I rarely cry at books; but this one had me sobbing by the end.
This book was excellent. I learned new things while reading a courageous story that took place during a very difficult time. Pino Lello was a teenager living his best life in Italy when World War 2 struck. He soon found himself as a driver for Hitlers right hand man Leyers, with most people calling him a traitor including his own brother, Mimo. He fell deeply in love and did his best to stay alive, as the war raged on. Read the book.to discover his story...
Read this upon the recommendation of a Milan Cathedral Tour guide which when add to the information he provided made for a very interesting read. Knowing what Milan suffered during the war years, their resistance and struggles really gave great context to this city. I didn't think the book was all that well written but I'm no expert. The sad history behind the story can't be argued though.
It is a totally engrossing story of WW II in Italy as lived by a young man, Pino Lella. If it wasn’t based on his life you would say it can’t be true. When Pino meets Anna briefly he thinks about her for years. One day he knocks on an apartment door and she answers. Meanwhile around them Milan and northern Italy are torn apart by Nazis, partisans and thieves.
I do not often give 5 stars but if I could give 6 stars it would be for this book. The intensity of the characters and struggle was so real. The 6th star because this is a true story. SPOILER In fact the main character passed away only a few years ago! What a story. I read it years ago but I will read again.. KEEP this on your reading list
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I will say I’m a big fan of historical fiction in general, but this book. Obsessed. It’s very closely based on a true story which I found so cool. I couldn’t put this book down. Engaging from start to finish. Brought some tears to my eyes which never happens with book. 1000% recommend
I don’t even know if it’s fair to say that I finished this book. After the first third, I had to skip chunks, but I did skim and pick and read the last chapter. Does that count? Would not recommend.
As a lover of WW2 historical fiction, this was the first story I’ve read focusing on the hardships and conflicts of the Italian people during this time. The fact that this book was written around a true story and real person’s experiences js remarkable.
A true storytelling of a view of WWII I’d never heard before. What an amazing, but at times tragic, life Peño had. Family, young love, the drive to do the right thing, war, spies, the holocaust, jazz and wine, faith…all of told so well.
Listened—It’s impossible to grasp what it’s like to return to everyday life after experiencing war, especially after enduring constant fear and loss like Pino did. An inspiring true story that was incredibly well told. Highly recommend!
This book made me believe in soulmates! And there’s so many part of this story that stayed with me until this day. I have been telling everyone who listen about this book!