Under the Light of the Italian Moon - by Jennifer Anton (Paperback)

About the Book

Fonzaso Italy, between two wars The daughter of a strong-willed midwife falls for a local emigrating to America. As Mussolini and the Nazis threaten to destroy their love forever, she must learn to survive and face war alone.

Book 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...

A gripping historical fiction novel, based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.

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.

'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

Review Quotes

'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.'

- Angela Petch, bestselling author of The Tuscan Girl

'Under the Light of the Italian Moon is a moving and eloquent tale of choosing love in times of war, fortitude in times of hardship and hope in times of heartbreaking loss. Anton's masterful and touching tribute to the women of her family is not only an important addition to the literature of the lived experiences of the wars, but also to that of strong, brave women triumphant in great adversity.'

- Indie McDowell, Founder and Director, Atsede Clinic, Secretary, Global Alliance of Independent Midwives

'Anton has brought to life the history and importance of the role of the rural Italian midwife and shows the world how these women brought children to the light in the middle of 1920s and 30s Italy despite intense difficulties and pressures.'

- Gaetano Manfreda, Head of Didactic Service, Department of Women's and Child Health, University of Padua

'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