Under the Light of the Italian Moon
About
Inspired by a true story of love and women’s resilience during the rise of fascism and World War II.
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.
Praise for this book
"Well-researched and told, this wonderful historical fiction novel is based on the lives of the author's Italian grandmother and great grandmothers during the rise of Fascism and World War II. My wife and I both loved it."
"I could not tear myself away from this beautifully written Italian saga about women keeping families together against all odds during Mussolini's despotic rule. Will bring tears to your eyes... I recommend this epic book highly."
"A brilliant and meticulously researched debut. Riveting, devastating at times, yet full of hope...a must-read for all fans of historical fiction."
"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... 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."
"Outstanding Read! This book is EVERYTHING to me! What an incredible story, told so colorfully & beautifully by a woman whose family experiences this book depicts!The writing was so vivid and visceral that I was physically squirming during some parts!"
"Riveting! ...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."
"A truly fascinating, faith filled journey through tragedy and trials that a large family helps each other through. I couldn’t stop reading this."
"I laughed, I smiled and I cried and cried and cried again. I probably cried no less than 6 times reading this book. And, I loved every minute of it."
"This amazing heartfelt story will touch your heart and stir up many emotions."
"It is a great love story and chronicle of the tenacity of the human spirit no matter what one's ethnic heritage.
Brava!"