Library Book Reviews Page 1 cont. on page 2 The following reviews are by Karen  Encelewski and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
Ninilchik Community Library |
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
“Beneath a Scarlet Sky” is solid historical fiction with years of research behind it. The real life character, Pino Pella, did not tell his story to anyone until 1990. Later the author had the privilege of getting to know Pino and hearing his story before he died, so one could guess the majority of this epic tale is true.
Pino was a forgotten hero from Italy, a country also known as ‘the forgotten front” during WWII. He was a normal 17-year-old, uninterested in the war. When his family home is bombed in Milan his parents sent him to a Catholic school in the Alps. Immediately Father Re began to hone Pino’s skills as a mountaineer. The climbing scenes begin Pino’s terrifying and fascinating actions. Due to an unusual amount of bravery and wisdom, he leads many Jews up and across the deadly winter mountains to the Swiss border.
The intense action continues with Pino in Nazi occupied Milan. He wants to join his brother in the Resistance movement, but in obedience to his determined parents, joins the German army and ends up as driver for General Hans Leyers. The General is high enough in rank and importance to have access to Hitler’s ear. Thus Pino once again puts his life on the line by acting as a spy for the Resistance. The anguish he witnessed affected him for over half a century.
One of the aspects of the war in Italy that differs from other countries during WWII was the Fascist movement in that country. Those within that movement were often unfairly judgmental and condemnatory to their own people. During and after the war, the Fascists indiscriminately continued to eliminate those countrymen who they felt had the wrong ideals and actions. It was shocking.
Once again, the heroes of this story are common, everyday people. As one reviewer commented, “the unreality of war meets its match in the guts, wits and soul of Pino Pella, his family, friends and cohorts.
“Beneath a Scarlet Sky” is solid historical fiction with years of research behind it. The real life character, Pino Pella, did not tell his story to anyone until 1990. Later the author had the privilege of getting to know Pino and hearing his story before he died, so one could guess the majority of this epic tale is true.
Pino was a forgotten hero from Italy, a country also known as ‘the forgotten front” during WWII. He was a normal 17-year-old, uninterested in the war. When his family home is bombed in Milan his parents sent him to a Catholic school in the Alps. Immediately Father Re began to hone Pino’s skills as a mountaineer. The climbing scenes begin Pino’s terrifying and fascinating actions. Due to an unusual amount of bravery and wisdom, he leads many Jews up and across the deadly winter mountains to the Swiss border.
The intense action continues with Pino in Nazi occupied Milan. He wants to join his brother in the Resistance movement, but in obedience to his determined parents, joins the German army and ends up as driver for General Hans Leyers. The General is high enough in rank and importance to have access to Hitler’s ear. Thus Pino once again puts his life on the line by acting as a spy for the Resistance. The anguish he witnessed affected him for over half a century.
One of the aspects of the war in Italy that differs from other countries during WWII was the Fascist movement in that country. Those within that movement were often unfairly judgmental and condemnatory to their own people. During and after the war, the Fascists indiscriminately continued to eliminate those countrymen who they felt had the wrong ideals and actions. It was shocking.
Once again, the heroes of this story are common, everyday people. As one reviewer commented, “the unreality of war meets its match in the guts, wits and soul of Pino Pella, his family, friends and cohorts.
