Mark T. Sullivan

“Anthony realized that even though he lived now in near-constant fight-or-flight mode, he still remembered right from wrong, still knew what it was to be a good human. And he decided that everything about Kony and the LRA was wrong to the point of evil.”

This book tackles one of modern Africa's most harrowing chapters in history. It follows two of the thousands of children who were kidnapped and pressed into service in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) headed by Joseph Kony. It is set show more initially set 1990s Uganda and Sudan, and what would later become South Sudan. It is based on real people and events over the course of ten years.

In 1994, protagonist Anthony Opoka is fourteen when he is taken from his village. He and the other children were forced to commit atrocities against their own, effectively severing ties with their families and creating psychological dependencies on their captors. Florence Okori comes into the story later. She was taken in 1998 at age fourteen. During their time with the LRA, the two meet and develop a friendship.

Kony claimed to be possessed by various spirits, using a blend of “Christian,” Acholi traditions, and invented religious practices to maintain control. Anthony’s proximity to Kony creates narrative tension that provides insights into the psychological manipulations of a sociopathic “leader.” Florence's story illustrates how deeply ingrained values can preserve identity even within systems designed to erase it. Their eventual connection balances horror with hope. Sullivan uses their relationship to examine how human connection can survive in seemingly impossible circumstances.

I am impressed by the author’s ability to transform a historically significant trauma into a universal story about human dignity and resilience. Given the violent nature of the subject matter, it can often be a gut-wrenching read, but it shifts away from the bloodshed often enough to move beyond a “misery” narrative while still acknowledging the reality of the pain and suffering. As a western reader, I think Sullivan has skillfully handled cultural representation, voice, and ethics. It is a truly powerful reading experience.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the end, which explains the genesis of this novel and the participation and consent of the real people upon whom the story is based. Part of the proceeds go to the family and the non-profit organization End Child Soldiering. show less

Where do I begin? How do I begin to capture the experience of reading this extraordinary novel? 5 Stars simply are not enough.

The historical fiction novel is beautifully and eloquently written sharing a phenomenal story of one family's journey to freedom. It is a testament to the human will to survive. I also believe it is a moving testament to God's grace in the midst of the violence of war, the evil that man can inflict upon man, the heartbreak of loss, fear of the unknown and yet an show more incredible resilience to move forward knowing each step is one step closer to the west, one step closer to freedom. The author's writing poignantly creates the atmospheric setting of the long trek of the Martel family to freedom. With each step on the family's journey, the reader is riveted with eagerness of hope when steps succeed, the breath of fresh air in the moments of shared kindnesses, and feels the excruciating heartbreak in their times of loss and their anguish in times of adversities particularly when subjected to evil and during times of separation.

It was especially captivating to read thought-provoking questions that Adeline Martel (daughter, sister, wife, mother) asked herself as she found joy in watching her sister have a short time of pleasure during a segment of their trip, "Can happiness be that easy? Finding little joys in the worst moments?"

I highly recommend that each reader continues reading after the last chapter turning pages to the "Afterword" and then to the "Acknowledgments" to then become absorbed in the author's journey of storytelling from the moment he heard the Martel's family story.

I will remember the Martel's story each time I see another photograph in the news about refugees. Viewing the faces and knowing that each face is part of a family, knowing that each family holds dreams of a better tomorrow and with hopes and prayers that their journey will one day lead them to the freedom they seek. I will remember. show less

If you like believable characters, well-crafted story lines, and good writing this book is not for you. I’m really tempted to rant about every one of those things, but here’s just a small rant about the believable character part:

Pino speaks Italian, French, and English, he’s an accomplished mountain climber, alpine skier, a master driver, amazing mechanic, pianist, and spy. He can handle a gun without any training, “his brain just thinks differently,” and he had the good luck to show more meet and befriend some of the world’s most famous people (Cardinal of Milan, Mussolini, top Nazi officials, Alberto Ascari, and Gary Cooper for example) all who were amazed by Pino. Most egregious of all - and I cannot believe the author wrote these words down - he’s a natural at lovemaking. Words supposedly from Pino’s fiancée, whose last name he never learned. show less

I was completely mesmerized by every page of this book!

This is a exceptionally well-crafted novel focused on one courageous Italian teenager during the final two years of World War II. Based on a true story and constructed from hours of interviews and detailed research by Author Mark Sullivan, this book recounts the truly remarkable story of Pino Lella, coming of age in Milan, just as the tide of the war begins to turn against the Axis powers.

The brutality of Nazi occupation, the declining show more influence of Mussolini and the Italian Fascists, the random imprisonment and torture by SS agents, and the desperate efforts parents make to save their children-- it's all here. And, sitting in the middle is Pino, just another unremarkable young man, who simply wants his family to survive treacherous times.

Though Pino does not seek out danger, he nevertheless finds himself facing situations that force him to explore what he is capable of. And through this one boy's eyes and adventures, we get to witness so many of the dismal realities of war -- shortages, personal betrayals, random death and destruction, and hidden heroism.

The characters are richly developed, much more than simply good or bad people. They are all three dimensional. Family members, too quick to judge, wind up disowning and endangering their own. Catholic churchmen appear to work alongside Nazis while secretly savings the lives of Jewish refugees. And love blooms in unlikely places. It's a sobering but realistic glimpse into both the worst and best people are capable of, when desperate to survive.

And somewhat surprisingly it doesn't end with the ending of the war. Deprived Italian citizens, incoming American soldiers, and Nazis war criminals suddenly eager to collaborate help define a city desperate for revenge.

BENEATH A SCARLET SKY is a true page-turner, all the more because it's a true story. I found this a gripping, rich and thoughtful read that left me thinking about both the events and people, long after I closed the book. Be sure to read the author's Afterword to find out what becomes of all the people you have just read about. It makes a delicious finale and helps provide resolution for all the emotions that will get stirred up!

See more of my reviews at www.tobyasmith.com show less