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Under the Light of the Italian Moon: Inspired by a true story of love and women’s resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII Kindle Edition
- Robin Pickering-Iazzi, Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
A promise keeps them apart until WWII threatens to destroy their love forever
Fonzaso, Italy, between two wars
Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother. As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorise their town, each day becomes a struggle to survive greater atrocities. A future with Pietro seems impossible when they lose contact and Nina’s dreams of a life together are threatened by Nazi occupation and an enemy she must face alone…
Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII.
Gripping historical fiction based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.
Fans of Elena Ferrante’s novels, Beneath A Scarlet Sky, All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will enjoy this Italian saga about strong women, survival and love.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMarch 8, 2021
- File size3.9 MB
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From the Publisher
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Editorial Reviews
Review
- Angela Petch, bestselling author of The Tuscan Girl
'A rich tapestry of Italian life through a turbulent time its history, exploring love, loss and sacrifice through the lives of a remarkable family of women.'
- Debbie Rix, bestselling author of The Italian Girls
'A moving, charming, poetic story, intelligent and well-written. And romantic, too. I was absorbed.'
- Nicholas Coleridge, bestselling author of A Much Married Man
'In these populist days many of us know or have known how perplexing it is to live under a domineering leader who thinks he is always right. Back in 1922, Benito Mussolini in Italy was the first such person in modern times to scar his country's history. In this novel which mixes family memory, history and literary insight, Jennifer Anton gives us a case study from the interwar which is timeless in its themes and search for meaning.'
- Richard Bosworth, Professor R.J.B. Bosworth FASSA, FAHA, Emeritus Fellow, Jesus College Oxford, Author of Claretta: Mussolini's Last Lover
'I was swept away by this powerful story and found myself rooting for the brave, strong women who survived against all odds under Mussolini's brutal regime. A stunning debut!'
- Imogen Matthews, bestselling author of The Hidden Village
'A family saga of strong women spanning through generations and two world wars. A love story across two continents-told with passion and compassion. Well written and highly recommended.'
- Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China
'A brilliant and meticulously researched debut. Riveting, devastating at times, yet full of hope... a must-read for all fans of historical fiction.'
- Ellie Midwood, USA Today bestselling historical fiction author
'An enthralling, richly crafted story of bold women resisting destruction, death, and fascism.'
- Robin Pickering-Iazzi, Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B08RJVR2WY
- Publisher : Amsterdam Publishers (March 8, 2021)
- Publication date : March 8, 2021
- Language : English
- File size : 3.9 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 396 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 9493231003
- Best Sellers Rank: #141,706 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #59 in Historical Italian Fiction
- #368 in Historical European Fiction
- #982 in Historical Literary Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois and now lives between London and Lake Como, Italy. A proud advocate for women's rights and equality, she hopes to rescue women's stories from history, starting with her Italian family.
In 2006, after the birth of her daughter, Jennifer suffered a life-threatening post-partum cardiomyopathy, and soon after, her Italian grandmother died. This tumultuous year strengthened her desire to capture the stories of her female Italian ancestors.
In 2012, she moved with her family to Milan, Italy and Chicago Parent Magazine published her article, It’s In the Journey, chronicling the benefits of traveling the world with children. Later, she moved to London where she has held leadership positions in brand marketing with companies including ABInbev, Revlon, Shiseido, and Tory Burch.
Jennifer is a graduate of Illinois State University where she was a Chi Omega and holds a master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago.
Under the Light of the Italian Moon is her first novel, based on the lives of her Italian grandmother and great grandmothers during the rise of fascism and World War II.
Connect with Jennifer on Instagram @boldwomanwriting
Connect with Jennifer on Facebook @jenniferantonauthorpage
Join her mailing list at www.boldwomanwriting.com
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and heartfelt. They describe it as an interesting historical fiction novel that spans three generations of strong Italian women. The events in the book are riveting, and the characters hold strong faith and trust in family. The writing is described as descriptive without being overly descriptive. Readers appreciate the immersive portrayal of Italy during a tumultuous period, and the insights into the lives of the women. The characters are well-developed and relatable.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoyed the book's story. They found it interesting, heartfelt, and educational. The book held their attention, even though history is not their forte.
"...Anton's storytelling is both evocative and emotionally charged, showing readers the beauty and tragedy of Nina's world from multiple points of view...." Read more
"...it has much embedded truth and reality within a truly beautiful story of survival, faith, and the indomitable human spirit." Read more
"...They were left alone and they had to carry on with life. I truly enjoyed the book as it spoke to me on so many levels. I hope you do, too." Read more
"...This amazing heartfelt story will touch your heart and stir up many emotions. I highly recommend this book and will look for others from this author." Read more
Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the events riveting and the historical fiction interesting. The book is based on a true story, filled with love, strength, and heartache. Readers appreciate the detailed history of Jennifer Anton's family and the setting of the story in an Italian village.
"...A masterfully crafted historical novel that transports readers to a bygone era filled with love, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit, this a..." Read more
"...I would recommend this book to young adults, lovers of historical fiction, and students of history, because, in my opinion, it has much embedded..." Read more
"...path, about courage and resilience, about immigrants’ struggles and eternal love...." Read more
"...This a very detailed history of Jennifer Anton’s family and what led to her family’s immigration to America...." Read more
Customers find the book a story of resilience and love. They appreciate the strong faith, courage, determination, and strength of women in the face of hardship. The book is described as an inspiring survival story set in Northern Italy before and during World War II.
"...is remarkable, and the protagonist, Nina Argenta, is a compelling, resilient, and real character who faces unimaginable challenges..." Read more
"...embedded truth and reality within a truly beautiful story of survival, faith, and the indomitable human spirit." Read more
"...It’s a book about family, about brave women’s path, about courage and resilience, about immigrants’ struggles and eternal love...." Read more
"...A truly fascinating, faith filled journey through tragedy and trials that a large family helps each other through. I couldn’t stop reading this...." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the letters as a nice touch. The book is described as an enjoyable family love story with a timely message for today's world.
"...And yes, the book has a timely and cautionary message for this time in our current day & experience...." Read more
"...author’s family history, but it’s meticulously researched and written with such heart, you’ll feel instantly attached to the characters and find..." Read more
"...Under the Light of the Italian Moon, was well written and easy to read family love story. An enjoyable story of perseverance during WW II Italy." Read more
"...It's also well-written...." Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the Italian small-town culture charming and immersing, depicting a tumultuous period in Italy during fascism and WWII. The book spans three generations of strong Italian women who held their families together. Readers appreciate the personal ties and first-hand information from the author's family.
"...story particularly resonated with me, with its vivid and immersive portrayal of Italy during a tumultuous period in its history...." Read more
"...of history, because, in my opinion, it has much embedded truth and reality within a truly beautiful story of survival, faith, and the indomitable..." Read more
"...Not only it’s based on the author’s family history, but it’s meticulously researched and written with such heart, you’ll feel instantly attached to..." Read more
"Charming Italian small-village culture, everyday life in a sizable family, sibling rivalry, the rare enduring love between a faithful husband and..." Read more
Customers find the book provides insightful and fascinating information about women's lives during wartime. They appreciate the good research and first-hand accounts. The book offers a glimpse of culture and family practices in the 1930s through world wars, providing a historical perspective based on fact. Readers value the openness and truthful perspective, which bring their heritage to life.
"...the World War II genre, I really appreciate the openness and truthful perspective which deliver a historical aspect to a very personal narrative...." Read more
"...Not only it’s based on the author’s family history, but it’s meticulously researched and written with such heart, you’ll feel instantly attached to..." Read more
"...They lost touch with each other during WWII. A truly fascinating, faith filled journey through tragedy and trials that a large family helps each..." Read more
"...I thought Jennifer Anton covered the situation very well with good research and first hand information form her family...." Read more
Customers find the characters engaging and compelling. They feel attached to the female characters and root for them. The narrative is described as a wonderful narrative of strong women trying to keep their family together.
"...The characterization of each character is remarkable, and the protagonist, Nina Argenta, is a compelling, resilient, and real character who faces..." Read more
"...researched and written with such heart, you’ll feel instantly attached to the characters and find yourself rooting for them as they go through their..." Read more
"...caught between The Duce and Hitler are very real as are every personality in the book. It’s even better when you find out why...." Read more
"...It is a well-written book, and all the characters were well developed, and showed that love of family, and perseverance were needed to survive." Read more
Customers find the book heartbreaking. They describe the emotions as vivid, poignant, and touching. Readers feel the characters' pain and hardships. The writing is described as visceral and powerful, leaving readers with a strong yet tender feeling. The book explores themes of family dynamics, tragedy, and love.
"...I just read it again for the second time and it still moves me very much! It is a well written and very interesting book and I highly recommend it...." Read more
"...The writing was so vivid and visceral that I was physically squirming during some parts!..." Read more
"...Thank you Jennifer Anton for your incredible book, bittersweet and amazing." Read more
"...It's a book filled with love, strength, and heartache. I highly recommend!" Read more
Reviews with images
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A Poignant Must-Read
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023“How stupid is war?...Men die, families are torn apart, everyone is poor and pathetic. Why do we ever go to war?” - Nina Argenta
!! TW: mature/explicit content, SI, extreme violence, death !!
"Under the Light of the Italian Moon" by Jennifer Anton is an absolutely mesmerizing journey through time and emotion that deserves every bit of its 5 stars. Based on true events that occurred in Northern Italy between the wars, not far from where my own family is from, this story particularly resonated with me, with its vivid and immersive portrayal of Italy during a tumultuous period in its history. The characterization of each character is remarkable, and the protagonist, Nina Argenta, is a compelling, resilient, and real character who faces unimaginable challenges (however sadly common at the time) with determination and grace. Anton's storytelling is both evocative and emotionally charged, showing readers the beauty and tragedy of Nina's world from multiple points of view. Additionally, naming conventions notwithstanding, the book's attention to historical detail paints a striking picture of Italy throughout the Great War and during the rise of fascism and World War II, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
A masterfully crafted historical novel that transports readers to a bygone era filled with love, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit, this a poignant must-read.
“How stupid is war?...Men die, families are torn apart, everyone is poor and pathetic. Why do we ever go to war?” - Nina Argenta
!! TW: mature/explicit content, SI, extreme violence, death !!
"Under the Light of the Italian Moon" by Jennifer Anton is an absolutely mesmerizing journey through time and emotion that deserves every bit of its 5 stars. Based on true events that occurred in Northern Italy between the wars, not far from where my own family is from, this story particularly resonated with me, with its vivid and immersive portrayal of Italy during a tumultuous period in its history. The characterization of each character is remarkable, and the protagonist, Nina Argenta, is a compelling, resilient, and real character who faces unimaginable challenges (however sadly common at the time) with determination and grace. Anton's storytelling is both evocative and emotionally charged, showing readers the beauty and tragedy of Nina's world from multiple points of view. Additionally, naming conventions notwithstanding, the book's attention to historical detail paints a striking picture of Italy throughout the Great War and during the rise of fascism and World War II, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
A masterfully crafted historical novel that transports readers to a bygone era filled with love, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit, this a poignant must-read.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023I loved that this book is based on real people and their compelling and emotional life stories. I appreciate the fact that a book of this nature requires much research and many time - consuming interviews. Having read many books within the World War II genre, I really appreciate the openness and truthful perspective which deliver a historical aspect to a very personal narrative. I feel that this is a much needed element within the genre of historical fiction, and should be embraced and utilized whenever that truthful information is available. And yes, the book has a timely and cautionary message for this time in our current day & experience.
I would recommend this book to young adults, lovers of historical fiction, and students of history, because, in my opinion, it has much embedded truth and reality within a truly beautiful story of survival, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023I read this book in a few days. It is a great read and the author captured the sense of small town rural life in northern Italy. Many Italian immigrants in America (especially Chicago) are from the south and the culture is different. I liked being transported to this alpine village where many of the customs and traditions are different, yet essentially the same as the south. My family is from the Marche and my father lived in a very remote mountain village. They had many "feste", too. The town all knew each other and helped one another, as the author describes in this novel. The matriarch in the book is a midwife and my grandmother was a rural midwife. I am certain this influenced my father to go into medicine. I could relate to the stories of the births and the struggles the women had to experience during a time of no antibiotics, epidurals or ultrasounds. I often wonder how humanity survived. The parts of the book that I found most interesting was the influence of fascism and how the villagers supported Mussolini initially, but then grew to support the partigiani. I also related to the family separation. My grandfather never met his son until he was 5 years old and then only stayed for a little while in Italy before coming back to Melrose Park, IL. He then moved back to Italy when my father was 9. In our society these kinds of long distance relationships would never work. While the women appear strong, it was out of sheer necessity. They were left alone and they had to carry on with life. I truly enjoyed the book as it spoke to me on so many levels. I hope you do, too.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025With a tear in my eye, I just finished this book. This amazing heartfelt story will touch your heart and stir up many emotions. I highly recommend this book and will look for others from this author.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021My favorite genre is historical fiction based on true stories and “Under the Light of the Italian Moon” is a perfect combination of everything I appreciate in a novel. Not only it’s based on the author’s family history, but it’s meticulously researched and written with such heart, you’ll feel instantly attached to the characters and find yourself rooting for them as they go through their struggles. Nina and her mother, the local midwife who delivered more than a thousand babies, are truly worthy of admiration. Their integrity and desire to fight for a woman’s right to decide whether to have a family or not instead of following Mussolini’s insane “breeding cow” program that, no doubt, caused many unnecessary deaths, is something worth applauding. In the dark era of Il Duce, when just speaking out against the regime could lead to one’s denunciation, Nina and her mother fought with all they could to protect the vulnerable women under their charge and later, as the war broke out, Nina’s courage and desire to help save not just her patients, but the lives of the persecuted. The romance that never died despite everything Nina and her husband Pietro had to go through will make you tear up in the end; yes, it’s that emotional. And the main message the book carries - stand up for what is right no matter what the cost - is truly timeless and is more relevant today than ever. It’s a book about family, about brave women’s path, about courage and resilience, about immigrants’ struggles and eternal love. If you love historical fiction and particularly novels based on true stories, don’t even hesitate about picking this one up. You’ll thank me later, I promise.
Top reviews from other countries
- Vince SponisReviewed in Canada on April 13, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars The women of Italy during the first half of the 20th century are given the complexity and strength that justly deserve in this novel.
I enjoy reading historical novels based on true stories. The stories of the women in this novel inspired me and were affirming. I am a first generation Italian immigrant. My parents were part of the resistance during the war. Their stories of Mussolini in his early years is reflected here. It is a story not often told. Beyond the familiar stories of the ravages of war on poor village people, this is a beautiful account of women's lives as community leaders, healers, mothers, daughters. The love story is beautiful, tragic, passionate, joyful. Jennifer Anton has managed to write a novel about Italian women that does not replicate stereotypes, but rather offers an insight into their complexity, strength, compassion and passion. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the lives of women before they immigrated to North America. It will give you a peek into how that life shaped this immigrant life and became part of the next generation's legacy. I really enjoyed this book and will miss the characters but I will cherish the memories it sparked of my own family's women's stories.
- maxine cReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read based on a true story in Italy during ww2
What a read , I have read lots of this type of book and this is up there with my favourites, it is an amazing story based on the lives of a strong Italian family and others in a countryside village in Italy , the author has a way of writing that totally absorbs you ,you can visualise the characters and imagine the beauty of Italy amongst the horrific events that unfold,during the occupation of their country , it is also a love story of endurance beyond belief , the ending had me in tears , but happy ones ,
- nirmala pillaiReviewed in India on December 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A great inspiring book
One of the best saga and real life stories I have ever read. Please write more novels and I want every one to read it . Love it so much that I will re read it again for strength
Strong inspiring women
- FerrariReviewed in Italy on April 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Under the light of the Italian Moon.
I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this book is, from start to finish it excelled all expectations, what a fantastic author to capture ever essence of this pure and truly remarkable love story.
I honestly had goosebumps reading this and at times I was also in tears feeling every emotion these poor people had to suffer during the war.
The strength and courage for survival made me think of my grandparents, my parents and all my family who endured such horrific circumstances during this terrible war.
This book really made me understand how truly amazing they were to get through all this and having heard stories from family members this book felt as though I was really experiencing this too.
If like me your parents emigrated to a foreign land for a better life, then read this book to appreciate everything they sacrificed for us, so we could have a better future & life.
This book is part of every emigrated person’s history.
I will treasure this book for life and give it to my grandchildren one day.
Thank you.
Grazie mille!
- JanniemciReviewed in Australia on January 21, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Get a box of tissues.
What an incredible story and so well written. I couldn't put it down. I don't think that I have cried so much in a while. This book made me laugh and cry and thoroughly entranced me. Thank you Jennifer.