Under the Light of the Italian Moon Book Review
“How stupid is war? … Men die, families are torn apart, everyone is poor and pathetic. Why do we ever go to war?”
Nina Argenta
Synopsis
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.
REVIEW
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 is a poignant must-read.
Content warnings include mature/explicit content, suicidal ideation, extreme violence, and death.
Publication date was 8 March 2021.
Author Profile
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.
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.
