In the Light of the Sun is the debut novel of author Angela Shupe and it is a lovely yet serious novel set against the backdrop of the second world war. It focuses mainly on the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. I was literally moved by the setting of how two sisters in different parts of the world and their experience with what was going on. I'll admit there were points where this novel was heartbreaking but the fact that everything turned out okay in the end was a huge relief. The characters and the plot were so moving.
In the Philippines we are introduced to Carmina Grassi who lives with her father and siblings. Her older sister Rosa is studying music in Italy which is also a dream of Carmina's. However, things take a turn for the worse when the day before her birthday she wakes up sick and the Japanese attack Pearl Harbour. The next day the Japanese start occupying the Philippines. Suddenly there is danger everywhere and it seems nowhere is safe.
Across the sea in Italy Rosa is studying music and living with her grandmother. Despite the problems back home manages to make some friends. Everything involving her schooling goes pretty well until the Germans invade Italy. Rosa soon finds herself captured but is later released after her grandmother manages to pull some strings regarding her citizenship. After she is released she has a new view on the war and joins the Resistance in order to make a difference.
Eventually after so much heartbreak the war comes to an end and all is well again. Both Rosa and Carmina are reunited in the United States and Carmina has the opportunity to study music. Overall this was a very lovely story and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.