Too Old For This Sht Book Club discussion

Please only discuss chapters 10-18 of Beneath a Scarlet Sky.

I don't dislike the book, but I don't really like it either. There is some disconnect with me and with the characters/plot. Maybe it is because I read WWII fiction so often and at this moment nothing it making this one stick out.

The plot feels a bit clunky to me, as well. I think with this being based off of a true story that the story doesn't flow as well as a crafted one. Honestly, I would prefer Pino's story in a non-fiction novel or a film (documentary or dramatized).


Do not read if you have not read CHAPTERS 13 - 18.

I am a bit annoyed and the reason is super petty. LOL Pino's parents bring him home specifically to keep him away from the Russian front and out of harm's way. However, as soon as he gets home they send him off to deliver a package where if he gets caught (which is very likely!) he will be executed on the spot.

And I think what is really distracting me is the focus on Anna. Listen, I get that during this time that a teenage boy would latch onto any form of happiness to keep going day by day, but I don't necessarily want to read about it.

What are ya'lls thoughts?

I am being terrible and putting this down at chapter 12. I have a couple of arcs and TBR books I just really want to read more than this one. I haven't officially dnf'd it yet as if I find time I might switch to the audio to finish it but I won't be making progress on it this week at least. I am just to meh about it to give it my full attention just now. Which is sad as pino's story seems really interesting but the author is not doing it justice.

I am a completionist so I will be finishing this one, but honestly, I am struggling through it. I am not a fan of the writing style and I think that is keeping me from being engaged with the story. Also. His obsession with Anna is getting on my nerves.
I'm bummed because I feel like this story could be great, but the author has just dropped the ball severely.

I agree, Sam! Something just feels off about the book and it doesn't flow right. Also, no judgement, Fiona. If I wasn't the hosting this book club I probably would have put it down as well. LOL

Ok I am back to reading this via audiobook which is proving a little easier to get through than reading it was. I just want to know Pino's story so i will be powering through.

While I understand his parents bringing him home so he can avoid being conscripted and sent to the Russian front, his uncle seems to have a lot more influence and disregard for Pino's life. sending him on errands that could get him killed, asking him to spy for the resistance. Not allowing him to share his protests about serving the Nazi's with those closest to him so costing him close friendships at their time of need.

The Anna stuff is also grating on me. Mostly the breathy way the narrator says Anna like it has 25 Ns but also it just seems a bit far fetched. I know that this from the memory of a man in his 80s/90s and has been heavily romanticised but surely the author could have taken these "memories" and tampered them down into a more realistic feeling situation instead of the kismet feeling situation we now have. There was a war, he was driving the car of one of the most senior generals in Italy I very much doubt all the horrors he witnessed could be wiped clean by one thought of Anna. I doubt even teenage boys minds are that simply distracted in such conditions.

Gah, this book annoys me. I just feel the fictionalization of pino's story isn't doing it any justice. It makes it truly unbelievable. The narration is just as bad as the writing in making it almost as if you are supposed to go "oh that Pino, what a lark" at the end of every chapter. I am kind of getting angry for the Lella family as to me it belittles a very outstanding story.

Sorry for my mini rant.

No apologies necessary! I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts.