Beneath a Scarlet Sky

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What were some of the most memorable or intense scenes in the novel? How did those moments shape your understanding of Pino’s world and the horrors of Nazi-occupied Italy? 
• How effective do you think the novel was in blending historical facts with fiction? Did you feel Sullivan’s portrayal of Pino’s experiences was authentic and believable? 
• By the end of the novel, Pino reflects on his role in the war and his decision not to take Leyer’s life. How did his story’s resolution make you feel, and do you think he found a sense of closure?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Pino struggles with seeing his actions as either courageous or cowardly. Can you relate to moments when you felt caught between extremes in your own actions or decisions? How did you make peace with these choices?
• The novel explores the complex nature of loyalty, especially when people are forced to make tough decisions under extreme circumstances. Have you ever had to navigate a situation where loyalty to a person or value was tested? How did it impact you? 
• Pino’s view of the world often demonstrates all-or-nothing thinking. In what ways does this outlook help him or hinder him throughout his journey? Do you yourself tend to think in extremes, and if so, do you feel it generally serves you well? 
• Pino’s love of jazz represents his fascination with America and the novelty it symbolizes. Is there a particular place, culture, or art form that has fascinated you and offered you a sense of wonder or escape? What has it added to your life? 
• Throughout the novel, Pino feels misunderstood or judged by those who don’t know the whole truth of his actions. Have you ever felt misjudged? How did that experience shape your understanding of yourself and others? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• The novel highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by Italians under Nazi occupation, especially for those who opposed the Nazis but had to work with or for them to survive. How does this illustrate the impact of war on everyday moral decisions? Can you think of more recent historical events where similar dynamics came into play? 
• Pino witnesses the oppression and abuse of prisoners of war and Jewish people forced into labor by the Nazis. How does this depiction align with or expand your understanding of Nazi policies and their impact on occupied countries? 
• General Leyers represents the complicated figure of a Nazi officer who is both brutal and capable of surprising humanity. What commentary does this offer on the nature of people who commit heinous acts? In what ways is this relevant to today’s world?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Analyze the role of Leyer’s valise as a symbol. How does Pino’s anticipation of what the valise contains mirror his complex and often conflicted feelings about the general himself? 
• Consider the setting of Casa Alpina and the mountains Pino ventures into to help refugees escape. How does this rugged landscape reflect Pino’s inner transformation from a carefree youth to someone committed to resistance and sacrifice? 
• Explore how either/or binaries shape Pino’s worldview. How does the novel use these binaries to highlight Pino’s journey of maturity and realization of the complexities of war, especially in his relationships with Leyers and Anna? 
• Examine Pino’s relationships with Mimo and Carletto and their respective roles in his life. How do these relationships illustrate various forms of courage, patriotism, and resistance? In what ways do Mimo and Carletto serve as foils to Pino? 
• Consider the narrative arc around Pino’s eventual disillusionment with Leyers. How does Sullivan use Leyers’s “hero” status with the Americans to explore moral ambiguity in wartime? 

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Design a visual representation of Pino’s journey across the Alps as he helps refugees escape Nazi-occupied Italy. What elements (e.g., landscapes, symbols, items Pino carried) would you include to show both the beauty and danger of these missions?
• Write a journal entry from Pino’s perspective on a particularly challenging day as Leyers’s driver and spy. Capture his internal conflict, the tension he feels with each mission, and his longing for peace and purpose amid the dangers he faces. 
• Imagine that you could interview Pino Lella today about his experiences during World War II. What questions would you ask him about his views on heroism, loyalty, and forgiveness, especially after witnessing both atrocities and acts of kindness? 

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