In 1943 Milan, Italy, Pino Lella has no interest in the war. At seventeen, he was about hanging with his friends and what girl he could get to catch his eye.
In a matter of hours, this would all change.
As the air raid sirens wailed, and destruction rained down on Milan, Pino Lella’s world changed for forever. And he had no idea what important role he would play in it.
We read this book in May of 2021 for Books Burgers and Brews. Honestly, this is a book I most likely would not have ever picked up. 434 pages in book format on the war? 17 hours and 43 minutes on audio? Not exactly what I would run to pick up.
And isn’t this one of the many beauties of book clubs? You find something you would have never read on your own…
The historical fiction story of Pino Lella is an amazing one. Pino is a quiet war hero and plays a role in saving many Jews from Hitler’s ruling in many ways.
The story flows well in both book and audio format ( I did a little of both, more audio then book as it fit better into my schedule), both are highly recommended.
This book is an amazing read no matter how much is fictionalized to fill in the gaps from the Authors meetings with Pino.
You may recognize Author Mark Sullivan’s name from his writing with James Patterson.
Feel free to join us VIA ZOOM on June 21st for our discussion of Stuart Turton’s book, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.
Book Journey 
I love the sound of this book, and you are so right about how wonderful it is to read books you might not have picked up on your own.
Great photo of you!
Thanks Laurel!
Sullivan has just published his second book…can hardly wait to get my hands on it… word green is in the title..at age 84 that’s all l I can remember😂
Sent from my iPad
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I was looking at that one – I hipe you enjoy it (I need a break from war lol)
When I saw the book title on your headline I thought whaaaat?? This is not a Sheila book. Then I saw it was for BB&B. I’m glad you read it. Stepping outside the box is great!
LOL you know me so well… it was actually the audio that Laurel found of the author speaking about the book that really intrigued me – Pino is an unsung here, not a name you will find in the history books as his story, for the most part, was untold and he didn’t see himself as a hero. I do love the underdog… 🙂
I’m sad I missed this discussion. Beneath a Scarlet Sky is an amazing book; would’ve loved to be in that discussion. Lory Sakay Miramar – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The nice thing about our ZOOM discussions is anyone can join. 🙂 Be sure to check out the website and if interested join us in June!
I haven’t read much about Italy during WWII so this one sounds good to me. Thank you for the review!
You are welcome – I hope you give it a try. I am so glad I read it.
You talked me into it
I just completed tye book, great story.