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Beneath a Scarlet Sky
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1914. For Paul, with love. Jewish silversmith Johann Blumenthal engraved those words on his most exquisite creation, a singing filigree bird inside a tiny ornamented box. He crafted this treasure for his young son before leaving to fight in a terrible war to honor his beloved country - a country that would soon turn against his own family. A half century later, Londoner Lilian Morrison inherits the box after the death of her parents. Though the silver is tarnished and dented, this much-loved treasure is also a link to an astonishing past.
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Publisher's Summary
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 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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What members say
Average Customer Ratings
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- James
- 08-12-2018
Brilliant story. Many twists and turns.
What an incredible story. Well written and read. That really opened my eyes to WW2.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Linda Davidge
- 30-09-2018
Magnificent and so thought provoking
I bought this book as I knew so little of Italian history during WW2. It is a novel based on a true story and I found it hard to stop listening to (I had both the book and audible version). The reader was great, with his ability to pronounce both German and Italian and he made the story come alive. At times it lifted my heart and at others drove me to despair over mankind. A brilliant book about a little known part of history because the world wanted to forget.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K W
- 15-09-2018
Brilliantly researched and written
The role of resistance and acts of courage by Italians during World War II is agreeable a little known story. Beautifully written so that it drew the reader into the places and scenes and people’s lives in a lingering way. Thank you Mark
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 07-08-2018
Amazing, Poignant and all encompassing!
What an amazing story! Pognant, beautiful and sad but stunningly told. I felt I was right there participating - heart racing at times too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 24-05-2018
Wow
This was very touching, emotional, lovely, confrontingly raw and yet so beautiful. I also loved the fact that i
Could sit back and trust the truth of the story. These experiences actually happened, and Pino is an absolute hero!!! I’d love to have met him.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Philip
- Upper Hutt, New Zealand
- 08-04-2018
Powerful and intimate story of loss, love and war
I had not been aware this was a true story and assumed this was a mere fabrication/device, powerful as this appeared to be. To discover this was all true and then consider its consequences makes this both a harrowing and rather terrible history of this poor mans youth and life. This malevolence and cruelty affected allies and enemies alike.
I read so many books about war. Many novels about the brutality made only more real by the loss of people that are loved. Initially one feels lucky that we are not embedded in all this today and then, on reflection we know that all around us we still are. How many new and terrible stories may one day emerge from Ethiopia, Sudan, Timor, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria (and others). We remain powerless to prevent harm to the innocent despite such evidence. This is only made more complicated today by the equally brutal and indiscriminate phenomenon of terrorism. We need these histories (and novels) - not weapons - to remind us of the pain and futility of these wars and focus their avoidance, difficult as this seems. An ‘eye for an eye’ does not work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 05-02-2018
Amazing
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was in awe of the courage involved by the characters. Thank you for sharing your story and spreading hope.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ian Simpson
- Sydney
- 30-01-2018
Fascinating story
Good stories are made up of ‘grey’ characters, i.e. partly good/partly bad. This book is full of them.
I’m sure collaborating with James Patterson pays the bills but ‘go it alone’ I’d say, certainly if this novel is anything to go by/
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- TT
- 01-11-2017
Well researched. A classic and one of my best ever
Fabulously well told with great research. I believe it could become a classic for the ages and certainly it is for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 29-09-2017
Very very good
A brilliantly told story of the later days of the Second World War in Italy, and it is rare to hear anything much at all of Italy's resistance to the Nazis and their occupation.
Well worth reading and listening to.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Charles Atkinson
- 07-08-2017
The Best Thing? It Really Happened!
Rarely in life do we learn of unknown men and women who lived extraordinary lives far bigger than any Hollywood creation. Pino Lella is such a man. This story is based on actual, documented events in WW2 a 17 -18 year old Pino experienced.
We are introduced to Pino in the last two years of WW2. As the author points out, little is written in fiction or non-fiction about the virtual German occupation of Italy. Politically the two countries were considered allies, but in reality it was the German Army controlling Itialian forces as well as political policies. Mussolini was under house arrest by 1944-45, guarded by Germans. The country may have looked Fascist to the world, but its peoples were deeply divided politically between Fascist, Nazi, Communist and Democratic Populists.
Pino was and remains an upbeat, confident and humble man. Like most people who lived and fought in WW2, he reluctantly shared his story after over 50 years silence. In the two years he was active, he led jewish families to Sweden, joined the Nazi army as a spy, and was the driver for the highest ranking General in Italy. He served as the General's interpreter to Mussolini, and actually met him on numerous occasions. Keep in mind Pino was 18 when war ended.
The story is as complicated as Italy's politics were at the time. In under two years, Lella falls in love, becomes a hero by risking his life to save several Jewish families, joins the German Army to be a spy, is forsaken as a traitor to his friends and family and suffers tremendous loss through it all.
The writing and narration is eloquent and seemless. This is one of the best books Audible has to offer.
206 of 214 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bryan
- 10-05-2017
History as good as fiction
Any additional comments?
I'm a daily listener to audiobooks while I commute. This book was SO good at captivating me and making mental images that it was almost too distracting to my driving!So in short, I dont write many reviews, but I LOVED this book...the story was great, the narrator was top-flight with excellent charachter portrayals, and the slice of life & time during WWII in N Italy satisfied the history buff in me. It really was as good or better than alot of fiction, but it was all true!
134 of 140 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jeannie
- 01-06-2017
Wow! This is a 10 star story!!!
This is one of the best books I've read or listened to, ever!!! I'm so thankful that such a gifted, talented writer took the time over 10 years to listen to and research this man's recounting of his life in Milan during World War II. Please take the time to read or listen to this book, in order to appreciate the heroism and sacrifice of this young man during the war. It makes me very sad, to think that without the persistence of this author, Pino could have died and his story never told! You'll never forget this book. Also, the narrator was the best!!!
69 of 73 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Julie Washnock
- 01-06-2017
Heartbreaking but amazing story
What did you love best about Beneath a Scarlet Sky?
The author brought history and emotion together in a way that had me captivated from the first moment.
Who was your favorite character and why?
All of them, he did a great job developing all the characters into people I cared about. Regardless of how big or small their part was in the story.
35 of 37 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alice
- 03-07-2017
A Story to Stay in Your Heart
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
If someone would love a great story, almost beyond belief, and a true life hero who emerged when the times demanded a hero, then I would say - read this book!
What was one of the most memorable moments of Beneath a Scarlet Sky?
There were many moment, some heartbreaking (as a WWII era story, one would expect it) but also hope in the midst of overwhelming odds.
Have you listened to any of Will Damron’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Excellent performer. As any regular to Audible knows, the greatest works are those whose performers make the stories come alive - they go beyond just saying the words and they create characters and action through their talents. They become artists of the spoken word. Mr. Damron's presentation is dynamic, his vocal tone is resonant so very pleasing to listen to for a length of a book, and his acting skills are clearly key to a successful story. He was spot on for this demanding, enriching story.
Who was the most memorable character of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and why?
The main character - the hero of course. But much of the book is very memorable due to characters involved.
Any additional comments?
True stories of people who go beyond what they might do and become heroes when heroes are needed is just what we need right now! This is not a light story - no story of war would be or should be - but it is alive. Very important history.
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sheila-La
- 03-05-2017
Just wow. Thank you Mark Sullivan....
I rarely review, but this was such a different, human perspective of WW2 in Italy and showed so clearly, how murky options and people can be in real life. I will bear witness to Pino's story, and remember he and Anna always..great narration too.
29 of 32 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wayne
- 14-11-2017
Dramatized true story of Pino Lella
Beneath the Scarlet Sky is set in northern Italy in and around Milan during WWII. It is a dramatized story of a young man named Pino Lella who was a hero of the fascist resistance. This interesting novel is well written and narrated. The story is excessively wordy and slow moving which I have decided to overlook due to its historical importance.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Linda
- 18-06-2017
Great idea, some weak spots, OK overall
What made the experience of listening to Beneath a Scarlet Sky the most enjoyable?
This was an amazing story. The book lapsed into trite sentimentality several times with invented conversations in an attempt to flesh out the facts of the story and make it more believable. NOT NECESSARY! This book went in wild swings from amazing with the actual true story to deep lows when the author tried to invent conversations and add personal romance and drama. Again, NOT NECESSARY and those invented moments became a bit of "you have to be kidding me" moments in an otherwise outstanding true story. The true facts were amazing.....the invented fictional parts were completely weak.
Have you listened to any of Will Damron’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Wonderful narrator. Would be delighted to listen to other books by him.
29 of 33 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gwendolyn Fairchild
- 30-05-2017
Riveting unknown story
I continue to be fascinated and devastated by WWII stories. this is one of the best. I now want to visit the scenes in Milan.
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kristin Sanders
- 31-05-2017
Amazing read
Truly remarkable. One of the best told WWII novels I've read/listened to. I felt like I could feel Pino's feelings throughout the entire story.
46 of 54 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jackie
- 29-10-2017
Amazing
What a fantastic story I couldn’t stop listening. An incredible insight into the war in Italy although heart breaking at times. Pino and his family have much to be proud of.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 24-09-2017
Incredible tale.
A tale worth telling. 17 hours short. Difficult to predict. Even more difficult to stop.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lanny 32
- 26-11-2017
Incredible! Can’t wait to see the movie!
The story of an AMAZING man! Made my heart pound, made me cry, laugh, sigh, angry, sad, afraid, horrified: the whole gamut of human emotions, more or less! Inspires me to live MY life “con smania” (with passion)!
Very well read, & performed, that adds SO MUCH MORE to the story than just reading alone: brings Pino to LIFE, in all his charm.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs T T
- 17-09-2017
amazing and gripping
I wasn't sure about reading a war story but this is very different, must read
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vivien Green
- 09-09-2017
outstanding best read ever
I did not want this to end. So enjoyed every minute. narrated wonderfully. one of the best.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dia
- 17-11-2017
Remarcable beautif story of WWII, hopeful and sad
Great story which you can't let go, a glimpse into the a past, never forget
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Matt
- 16-11-2017
Amazing story of an ordinary hero
The story of Pino is simply amazing, showing a side of the war I had never really known. The impact on the lives of normal Italians and those who fought to get their country back. It’s sobering to think of all those people who were impacted in so many ways, and those whose lives were taken early by the nazi war machine. The only downside of this audio book was the performance-the narrator’s voice was rather annoying (which is a problem over 15 hours!) and given the topic, I assumed his Italian pronunciation might have been better!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- chris
- 18-10-2017
great book
Ì usually read crime but decided to try this. and thoroughly enjoyed it. worth reading
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-10-2017
A Great Story!
A great story, emotional, heroic and real all in one. A really interesting and unusual historic perspective of WW2 to boot.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- TheMarriedGuy
- 04-10-2017
Book of the year. Beautifully read, and engaging.
Loved this book, and the narration. This is a truly extraordinary story or an exceptional human being. A must read/listen for anyone. Make no mistake you will be crying multiple time through this story and the narrator did total justice to this grand story
2 of 2 people found this review helpful