kricks2016's review against another edition
5.0
I would probably give this a 4.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a forgotten hero of WWII. I knew little of the Italian front of the war, and this book gave significant insight into what was going on in Italy. Pino's story is incredible! A lot of right place/right time involved him in some pretty awesome historical moments, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
That said, as other reviewers mention, the dialogue is painful at times. I think the author had a bet with someone on how many times his editor would allow him to use the word "elegant" in internal monologues.
But, the story, which it seems the author made a real effort to get right, was awesome. I appreciate a well-researched biopic (can I use that term for a book?) and I like to hear about said research, which was something the author addressed a bit in the beginning, and wrapped up at the end. He definitely did his homework, and it made all the difference.
I wish he'd gotten a little help writing dialogue, and this would have been a home run.
That said, as other reviewers mention, the dialogue is painful at times. I think the author had a bet with someone on how many times his editor would allow him to use the word "elegant" in internal monologues.
But, the story, which it seems the author made a real effort to get right, was awesome. I appreciate a well-researched biopic (can I use that term for a book?) and I like to hear about said research, which was something the author addressed a bit in the beginning, and wrapped up at the end. He definitely did his homework, and it made all the difference.
I wish he'd gotten a little help writing dialogue, and this would have been a home run.
pbair90's review against another edition
3.0
I initially was so disappointed with the writing of this book, but as the characters developed the writing seemed to improve. The last half of the book had me completely engrossed as I fell into the story of the final years of the WW II and its impact on Milan and those who loved the city and it's people. Had the first third of this book been as well written as the rest, I would have rated it much much higher.
sarahconnolly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
laurenmmurphy's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mmreed72's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating story, especially considering the fact that the novel is based on a true story. My only complaint would be that at times, I felt like there was more detail than I personally was interested in. I sometimes just wanted just to keep moving through the events and didn't feel like I always needed as much detail as was given.
linnjbookis's review against another edition
4.0
Vilken otroligt läsvärd bok om Pino och andra världskriget. Boken utspelar sig i Italien och man får följa Pino slaviskt genom åren. Se och känna det han kan ha känt. Man känner starkt med Pino och hjärtat värker mer än en gång. Det är en hjärtskärande sann berättelse. Detaljrik, händelserik och fullt laddad med känslor.
Pino bor i Milano och hammar sedan i Madesimo för att hjälpa judarna ut från Italien. Hans hårda arbete slutar inte där, utan ju närmare kriget kommer Italien, desto närmare hamnar han i skottläge, bokstavligt talat.
Pino bor i Milano och hammar sedan i Madesimo för att hjälpa judarna ut från Italien. Hans hårda arbete slutar inte där, utan ju närmare kriget kommer Italien, desto närmare hamnar han i skottläge, bokstavligt talat.
danapr's review against another edition
4.0
This is a true story about Pino, a young Italian man who spends the early months of WWII guiding Jewish fugitives across the treacherous Italian Alps into Switzerland. When he returns to Milan, he is forced to join the Nazi army to work as a driver and interpreter for a Nazi general. But Pino is recruited to spy for the resistance and through the course of his work, he meets and falls in love with Anna, a maid for the general’s mistress. In spite of his happiness with Anna, he loses friends and family members to the cruelty of the Nazis but he is able to pass along information that contributes to the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini.
I liked that this was a true story and that the author was able to learn Pino’s story first-hand and wrote follow up information at the end of the book. It was nice to find out that Pino lived a long and fulfilling life after all his trauma. I enjoyed the story but really felt like the book was too long. I got lost in some of the side stories that didn’t seem necessary to Pino’s story. It took me way too long to read it because I kept losing interest. But overall, I would recommend the book.
I liked that this was a true story and that the author was able to learn Pino’s story first-hand and wrote follow up information at the end of the book. It was nice to find out that Pino lived a long and fulfilling life after all his trauma. I enjoyed the story but really felt like the book was too long. I got lost in some of the side stories that didn’t seem necessary to Pino’s story. It took me way too long to read it because I kept losing interest. But overall, I would recommend the book.
elysahenegar's review against another edition
4.0
Mark Sullivan's novel based on the true story of Pino Lella does not disappoint! Although the setting (WW2 Italy during Nazi occupation) packs the significant plot punch you would expect, the prose comes off fast-paced, with a think-on-your-feet style that complements the personality and skill of the book's protagonist and hero. By the end of the book, you feel like a friend of Pino's with whom he has shared both his honest vulnerability and determination to live with passion. This book is engaging and thoughtful, deep, tender, forever wounded, and yet full of indomitable joy. Highly recommend!
alliedoppelt's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve read so much about Northern Europe during WWII, but this is the first book I’ve read about what took place in Italy. I thought this story was told so beautifully and while intense and tragic, I absolutely loved this story. I’m in awe of Pino’s bravery despite all of the atrocities he went through and witnessed.
knitwgrace's review against another edition
3.0
The writing wasn’t nearly as strong as I like, but the story and plot was fascinating and kept me reading. If you like WWII this is a great “based on a true story” story. And if you can get over the less complex writing style of the author.