Fonzaso, Italy...the year 1914 and we come upon the Argenta family. Adelasia is the force that holds the family together. She is mid-wife who has helped bring many babies into the world, which includes all the friends of her daughter, Nina. This is a story of endurance and survival as we witness WWI, the rise of Mussolini, WWII We follow Adelasia as she passes her skills as a mid-wife to her daughter, Nina. This is a story, about love, the love of family, the strength of the Italian women in a country torn by war. For Nina it is a story where she is bound by duty, but also of dreams unfulfilled and a world that is unbelievable, a country at war. We also have romance, as Nina marries the love of her life, Pietro...but hardships abound as he leaves for America to work in the mines. Sending money back to Italy, Pietro is gone for years at a time, coming home to Nina, but only staying for short periods. This book was difficult to put down, the writing held me to each and every page. Filled with emotion, filled with heartbreaking moments it was an excellent read. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under The Light Of The Italian Moon - Jennifer Anton
Pub - 3/8/2021
Rating 4.5/5

I want to thank Jennifer Anton personally for an ARC of her novel in exchange for an honest review. (I later received a copy via NetGalley)

It’s 1914 in Fonzaso, Italy, where we follow the Argenta Family, in the background sits World War I and its aftermath. Adelasia, a mid-wife is the glue of the family. Her daughter, Nina is learning from her mother – becoming a mid-wife during the rise of Benito Mussolini.

One of the most interesting things about Mussolini’s Italy is the role of the Matriarch. I remember in school when we learned an interesting fact – women would be awarded for the number of children they could produce for Italy. Knowing as the “breeding cow” program – women got a medal after birthing 14 children (holy moly) It was a competition of sorts – the more you birthed, the higher your social standing.

Italy is thrust into World War II, and we follow Nina as she questions her life choices – does she keep with her duty, binding her to her mother? Does she go after her dreams? It is not long before she tries to help not just the patients she cares for, but those who are being persecuted by the regime. She begins to stand for what is right – no matter what the cost might be.

At its core, Under The Light of the Italian Moon is a story about love. This theme is carried in serval different ways – but the most important situates with family. Jennifer has Italian heritage and lived in Italy for a time before settling in the UK. Under The Light of the Italian Moon is based on 14 years of her own research into the lives of her female ancestors. It is inspired by the true story and real events which took place in Fonzaso, which is one of my favorite ways to real historical fiction- especially when the author takes the time to make sure the fiction does the reality justice. Jennifer’s writing is exceptional and was part of the reason I could not put this book down. I had started it prior to Christmas, put it down, and then finished it the next time I picked it up! For a debut novel, this is perfectly executed, and it shines in a genre that is oversaturated with novels of similar themes.


Do not hesitate to pick this book up when it is released on International Women’s Day! The perfect occasion!
I cannot wait to see what Jennifer writes next!