Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel
Written by Mark Sullivan
Narrated by Will Damron
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
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 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.
Mark Sullivan
A former Reuters journalist, MARK SULLIVAN is the author of several internationally bestselling thrillers on his own as well as the coauthor with James Patterson of the bestsellers Private Games (February 2012) and Private Berlin. He lives in Bozeman, Montana.
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Reviews for Beneath a Scarlet Sky
1,901 ratings157 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a gripping and beautifully written historical novel. The story is based on true events from the Italian viewpoint during World War II. It explores themes of love, courage, and the cost of war. While some reviewers found the book emotionally and mentally taxing, they still highly recommend it. The narration of the audio version received mixed reviews, but overall, readers consider this book to be a must-read for its insight into history and the remarkable heroism it portrays.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This story was so inspiring and illuminating how we must learn to speak out for others, but also to forgive ourselves. Love it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Beneath A Scarlet Sky is one of the best books I have ever read.. it is full of love, joy ,faith, courage amazing adventure ,great self sacrifice and horrible tragedy.. This book shows the true face of war. Whathi an encouragement to live life in God's purpose. This is not just a book one reads but it is one a person experiences.. Thank you to the author for the research and the writing he undertook to write this great Testament of mankind braving to be God's people. Thank you!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I don't typically review a book, but this one was phenomenal. I suggested it to all my book friends. What a story. Wonderful characters. What a treat. Thinking about buying the hardback to enjoy on a rainy weekend. Well done, Perfecto!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Gripping, fast paced, emotional historical fiction based upon Pino Lella’s real life; courage, resilience, and witness to the horrors of the brutal Nazi take-over of Italy. Pino hiked small groups of Jews to safety in Switzerland over dangerous snow covered mountain peaks. In exchange for skiing lessons, a friend taught Pino auto mechanics and to drive like a race car driver. Pino become skilled in evasive actions which saved his life on numerous occasion.
At the age of 17+ he volunteered into the Nazi army to avoid the draft and the Russian front. General Hans Leyers, Hitler’s left hand man requested Pino as his personal driver after Pino fixed his vehicle. Pino went every place with the general then reported to his uncle radioed positions and details to resistance members who warned American, Italian, and European troops. Pino witnessed brutality, mass murder, and war crimes of every sort that haunted him for decades after the war. He also experienced his greatest love and tragedy in those months.
I learned a lot of history in this page turner. The writing was detailed, never bogged down, and placed the reader into the locations and events. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A fascinating look at Milan during WWII. Exciting adventures well written. The ending was so sad it bummed me out for hours.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Terrific story but read a bit sentimentally for my taste
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Heartbreaking but great historical story. I enjoyed the Italian side of this story.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A gripping and heartbreaking novel. Brilliant author and narrator! The emotions of each character were so beautifully written. Definitely a great read!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wow! What a story!! I wasn’t going to go further—I knew it would be painful…and long, but the story is so compelling, I couldn’t stop listening! Sullivan is quite a storyteller!! Looking forward to the movie….although it is will be gut wrenching!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wonderful example of the cost of war on humanity! Riveting!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Outstanding story and the audio is the only way to really grasp the emotions of the characters.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very interesting story surrounding WWII in Italy. Enjoyed this true tale of one man’s heroism.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5From cover to cover this story was hard to put down. It was difficult for me to listen to some of these stories, I had to take a break from continuing on, I didnt want to finish this book. I am so glad that I did because these heroic and historic events need to be heard! I had some moments of valuable insight. I recommend this book to those who want to learn more about the occupation of Italy and the heroes who endured the horrors of war.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I listened to this book a couple of years ago and it has stayed with me. The fact that it was inspired by a true story makes it all the more valuable. The male voice was refreshing as well as “unpolished”, making it plausible as the main character was a young man. It was a wonderful read, start to finish.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5What a good book. And long too! Which I like :)
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Utterly astonishing. Should be made into a mini series or film
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Excellent book. Stay with it. You will never forget this book
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I truly would be up half the night listening. I did audio and loved it. It was a thriller. I liked the history and the fact that much of it was true. Our book club is reading it for February read. I have also read The Last Green Valley.
It was a super read also. Mr. Sullivan’s books are great. I’m spreading the word and encouraging others to read his books. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Truly an epic story! The incredible courage and character of a man through such a difficult time in the world is a true inspiration. Moving, riveting and beautiful, a must read or listen.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the best audiobooks I've ever heard. Intriguing the whole way through, and better yet because it's based on a true life story. Just amazing, and very well narrated.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is a very interesting book and well read. I enjoyed listening to it each day on my commute. I enjoyed the telling of a person's life and this does a really good job. I would recommend this book.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Must read simply for the fascinating story of Milan, Italy during WWII. The author makes it clear this is a fictional novel based on a true story. I never really knew the Italian side of WWII since so much has been focused on Germany, France, England, and Japan and I am glad I read the novel. The dialogue, plot, and characters could be better realized.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Riveting. I could not put it down. I Loved it
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Best book I have read in a long time. Ten out of ten
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Amazing Story. Wonderful narration. Too much repetitive Anna love story.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5What a moving and well told WWII story. Incredibly written. It’s so interesting to hear about the war from a different perspective- from inside Italy. Incredible read. Highly recommend. A new addition to my list of all time favorite books!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I listen to a lot of books! This is the best book I’ve ever heard and it’s a true story. Mark Sullivan is an absolutely incredible story teller and you won’t be able to put it down. Do your errands, laundry, dishes or whatever before you start! HA! Don’t say you weren’t warned!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I just lost a piece of my heart, no regrets. Beautifully written nonfiction❤
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5AMAZING!!! a a a a a a a a a
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Fantastic book that captures the hearts of young believers and older men's faith. Just an amazing journey of a teenager in war - in such a short 2yrs time. I'm not sure there are even a few who had/have the faith and courage of this young man who made others hearts smile while witnessing such horror.