Set in Fonzaso, Italy between two wars, Under the Light of the Italian Moon tells the story of Nina Argenta, the daughter of the town’s strong-willed midwife. Nina seeks to define her own destiny but when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When she falls for childhood friend, Pietro Pante, during his brief visit from America, she has to find a way to be with the man she loves.

Pietro and Nina begin a long-distance relationship that continues as Mussolini forces political tensions to rise and his fascists throw the country into chaos. When Hitler’s Nazis occupy and terrorise their town, Nina struggles to survive and her dreams of a life with Pietro are threatened by an enemy she must face alone…

About the author
Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois now living between London and Lake Como, Italy. An 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 began a 14-year journey to capture the stories of her female Italian ancestors and develop them into a historical/biographical fiction novel. In 2012, she moved with her family to Milan, Italy. Later, she moved to London where she has held leadership positions with companies including Revlon 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.

‘A brilliant and meticulously researched debut, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is a testament to women’s resilience, strength, and courage in the direst of circumstances. Riveting, devastating at times and yet full of hope, it’s a must-read for all fans of historical fiction genre.’ - 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

‘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

‘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

Available on Amazon, online & in all good book shops. Amsterdam Publishers. Distribution via Ingrams

Price: Paperback 14.99, Hard back 24.99, eBook 4.99

Release Date: March 8, 2021

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‘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. The novel follows Nina through the buoyant exuberance of her youth to the selfless sacrifice of her years as a midwife, mother, and daughter, documenting her life woven together with the harsh reality of a brutal period in the history of a changing Italy. The remarkable women of Fonzaso prove time and again the strength that comes with purpose, faith, and commitment, and the unshakeable bonds of love that bind them to each other. The World Wars showed some of the worst of humanity, but it also showed some of the best, with even the smallest acts of resistance proving courage is possible under such circumstances. 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

“Bellissimo.” 5 stars
“I don’t know that I have the words to do this gorgeous work justice. I couldn’t put this book down and it will be a story that stays with me. Anton writes from the depths of her heart; it was easy to feel that I personally knew the people and could easily picture each setting in the story. The endurance, strength, and grit of the characters was conveyed in this well told story. It was such an honor and privilege to read an advanced copy. I will purchase a copy as it’s a story I’d like to read again and also share.” - BookSprout Reader Review