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.
1. Hello Jennifer, thank you for being here today! It’s so fascinating to have an Italian/American writer on my blog! To start, would you like to share with us a few lines from your book opening?
It all begins with women.
In them, Heaven and Earth transfer. Creation comes to life, and all of humanity springs forth.
In the mother’s powerful womb, the transition from Godly to worldly takes place.
It was Mary who gave birth to eternity and redemption.
The strength of the world is in its women.
The power of the world is within its women.
Yet it is the women we erase.
Some women are unwilling to be forgotten or to forget.
Particularly if they are Italian.
2. In the synopsis, it mentions that the book was inspired by a true story, could you tell us whose story it was?
The novel is based on the lives of my Italian ancestors. You have to read the book to find out the exact connection, but I can tell you that my grandmother was the start of where my research began. The novel tells the story of Nina Argenta, the daughter of a strong-willed midwife, who falls in love with Pietro Pante, a boy who emigrates to the coal mines of America. The story is based on the lives of my family and tales I have been told growing up, as well as research I did after my grandmother died in 2006.
3. What would you say the hardest part of writing this book was? T
The book was truly a joy to research and write but after fourteen years, there was a massive manuscript that would have been too big to publish. The most difficult thing was determining what to cut to make the story shine, without impacting the book negatively. For that, I did work with two fantastic developmental editors.
4. What is the thing that gets Nina attracted to Pietro?
Like many great love beginnings, there is a spark between them that makes them stand out to each other, even from a young age. She is curious about him at first, a boy she knows from around the small town heading to America on a great adventure. Ultimately, there is something unexplainable but very powerful about the way they are drawn together when he returns later. Oceans cannot keep them apart or destroy their love. How many of us can say that?
5. Now speaking a little bit about you, name one thing you love and one thing you hate about Italy.
I love so much about Italy: the feeling of connection to my strong female ancestors, the beautiful scenery, the food, the language, the art, the fashion, everything. Once, when we were in Rome and my daughter was three or four years old, she took a big bite of pasta, looked at us with wide eyes and asked, “Mom, why is everything so GOOD in Italy?” I had to laugh. From the mouths of babes. There is nothing I hate about Italy except for the historical pain the country has been through because of men who drive for power and end up ruining so much. It’s also sad how many families were separated through the years due to emigration. My greatest wish is for Italy to continue to create, thrive and grow. It would be nice to see more equality of females in leadership in order to ensure creation and new solutions for the future!
6. Do you have a favorite Italian author?
I love Bassani and Moravia (men who wrote during and after WWII) but right now I love Elena Ferrante and Donatella Di Pietrantonio blew me away with Girl Returned which is so few pages but has so much power! A must read.
7. Are you working on some other books right now?
I’ve started a second book which takes place in Fonzaso and is based off a minor character and another family member who left audio memoirs
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.
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Thank you so much for hosting today's blog tour stop.
RispondiEliminaThis book sounds and looks (that cover! 😍) really amazing!
RispondiEliminaGrazie!
RispondiElimina