Soon to be a major television event from Pascal Pictures, starring Tom Holland.
Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, the USA Today and #1 Amazon Charts bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours. Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian … the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior.
In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders.
Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share.
Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.
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This fabulous non-fiction WWII book is the most amazing story of life in Nazi-occupied Italy. There are heartbreaking moments, moments that make your jaw drop, and moments to make you cheer. I can not understand how this has not been made into a movie! Absolutely the best book I have read in a long time.
Historical fiction, WW II Germans in Italy.
This book was so good, it was hard to put it down! The characters were well developed and the story was original. I learned so much about the German/Nazi occupation of Italy. It was history made interesting and readable.
This is a true book about an unbelievably brave young man who continually risked his life to help others save their own. Hard to put it down.
This story was set in Italy during WWII. I hadn’t read much about Italy during this time so it was interesting to read an account of what was happening there during this time. I especially loved the ways people were motivated to do their part during the war effort, many risking their lives.
A true story, very ingrossing
very well written! Based on the Nazis in Italy and one young man and his family. Throughout a very dark time filled with horrific crimes and pure tragic events, comes a story of Love, loyalty, extremely bravery, and survival. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, nail biting through some scenes. I laughed and cried, mostly cried. Still worth the read!
This book had everything I love in a book…It was historical fiction, full of adventure, intrigue & suspense, with splashes of romance & action. The characters were interesting & believable, & the story line drew me in from page one. I could hardly wait to finish it, yet I didn’t want the book to end. I definitely recommend this one.
A good read about WWII in Italy. It focusses on the main character who helps Italian Jews escape to Switzerland.
A remarkable story of courage, dedication, love, and determination to survive, that left me once again in awe of the quiet heroism that was demonstrated during the direst times in the European history.
As much as I have read about the Second World War in Europe and the devastating events that occurred, I hadn’t even realized how the Italian viewpoint to the war was often missing. To see the desolation and ruin the war left in Italy itself and to the minds of the Italians, by the eyes of Pino Lella, was an honor and humbling experience.
As a story based on real people and true historical events, the author has built a well-organized timeline that was easy to follow. I got lost in the story with the images painted in my mind by the author’s words. The feelings are strong, the emotional connection to the tale impossible to ignore. The decisions people had to make during the war were not black and white, you had to do what was needed to survive. Reading Pino Lella’s story was like watching the hand of destiny, or God, work in every step he took during the war. If you have ever looked into the eyes of a person who witnessed the atrocity of the war, you might get a hint of the pain those people have to live with. Here we get a rare and raw look at the destruction the WWII left behind.
As I was reading the story hours went by that I wasn’t aware of nothing else but Pino’s life. The admiration I have for him, and people like him, who fought the insanity by risking their own lives left me in amaze.
Yes, the writing was rough at times, and yes, the book could have used a little better editing. Yet the contents of the story and knowing it was based on true events, true heroism, a real terrorizing fear and constant threat to the lives of everyone involved made the technical issues of the story irrelevant. The love Pino had for his family, friends, and especially for Anna was boundless, and it became the force to aid the survival. The meaning of life was to live just a moment longer, to see the loved ones again. The loss, the pain, the tragedy of the war, the guilt of survival and decisions made when life was on the line left a permanent mark on everyone, as the author demonstrates in the completion of the tale.
There are things that have happened in our history that we should never forget. Thank you for giving us the story Pino Lella, a young man with a fearless courage and noble spirit, who is an inspiration and example of bravery still needed today.
~ Five Spoons
A one-of-a-kind true story of an Italian man who saved Jews during WWII, and, acted as a spy as a driver for an illusive SS General. The characters are all real, and the story compelling.
One of the best books i ever read. Lots of World War II history taken place in Italy
A page turner, very enjoyable.
Loved this story of real events during WWII in Italy.
I loved this story and knowing Pino Lela survived didn’t take away from the suspense in everything he did during the war. The afterward was compelling and heartwarming, showing he had a purpose on this earth, reasons to be the person he is and live the life he lived.
It’s not often a true story can be told in such an engaging way.
Wow. I just finished Beneath A Scarlet Sky and I’m in tears. I love historical fiction, especially WWII fiction, but this book ripped my heart out. I am amazed at the resilience of the survivors of WWII. If you love historical fiction, READ THIS BOOK!!
Amazing book. Thought-provoking. Glad I read it.
i like this book
One of my all time favorite books