Reviews

This historical fiction novel spans two decades and is based on the lives of the author's extended family and their experiences living in rural Italy during WWII. The bulk of the story focuses on the everyday events of a family life - births, deaths and everything in between. I liked the idea of the author writing about her family's history, but I never felt connected to the characters and despite its war setting, the story was not the emotional, tense or compelling read I had anticipated.

This book felt more like a collection of personal anecdotes that were too loosely woven together with the historical romance genre in mind. I love a good WWII setting and Anton introduces a few interesting elements (midwifery, women's roles in the war, fascism, Italian migration to North America ...) but none of these topics were given enough depth. And the romance element quickly fell on the backburner because it's difficult to have the reader imagine a romantic bond when the couple is apart for 90% of the book.

It felt like readers were kept at arms length in terms of emotional impact with a story that was dialogue-heavy and excessively long. There was a pivotal moment that could have created conflict and tension (some good 'ol deception), but it was quickly forgotten with the character (and that storyline) disappearing for the remainder of the book.

I'm sure it was a very satisfying and emotional process for the author to write a story that is based on her family during WWII. While I learned more about WWII and the ending was satisfying, this quieter read wasn't the sweeping love story I was expecting and fell flat for me in its pacing, tension and storytelling.

kelliereadsalot's review against another edition

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5.0

First off, a big thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her wonderful book.

This book was years and years in the making and you can just tell by how beautifully it was written, the research that went into it, and the gorgeous descriptions.

It was both fulfilling and heart wrenching at times. It was raw and real.

A fantastic story of a woman’s never ending resilience.

Thank you again for sending me such a lovely and important book.

TW: War, Loss of a Child

100pagesaday's review against another edition

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4.0

Nina Argenta grew up in Fonzaso, Italy during the aftermath of the Great War. Nina was her mother's helper, learning the skill of midwifery early on. Nina heard of men leaving for America as a child and soon learns that her brother will be among the people in search of a better life in America. One of the young men on the journey, Pietro Pante came back to visit Fonzaso and he and Nina began a romance. Nina and Pietro marry in Italy with a promise of reuniting before Pietro returns. Pietro toils in a dangerous coal mine in Pennsylvania saving all of his money to bring his family together. As time passes, Italy falls under Mussolini's control, Nina's family becomes threatened by food scarcity, soldiers and spies. Meanwhile, Nina has not heard from Pietro for years and is struggling to keep her family alive.

Under the Light of the Italian Moon chronicles the life of the Argenta and Ponte family matriarchs, the author's great-great grandmother, great-grandmother, and grandmother. Written with care and researched from first hand accounts, Anton brings to light the amazing lives of the women in her family. Living through hardship, turmoil and wars, the Argenta family shows bravery, hope, resilience, love and loyalty. From the time Nina and Pietro met, I knew their life would not be easy. Through repeated hardships, grief and loss, Nina and Pietro managed to make it through the most dire of circumstances to build a happy life for their family. It was interesting to read about Mussolini's influence in Fonzaso and what the citizens thought of him through the years from indifference to curiosity to leader and tyrant. I was consistently amazed at Nina's ability to continuously face hardship and tragedy and keep going as well as her ability to keep love alive for so long from so far away. Overall, an amazing story of real people and family history.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

barbaraf's review against another edition

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4.0

This was an easy to follow book that chronicles the life of Nina Argenta Pante (from Fonzaso in Northern Italy) through two World Wars and an ever changing Italian political, social and economic landscape. Although it is historical fiction, it is based on the author's grandmother and great grandmother and contains actual historic events from the era, descriptions of the village and countryside as well as her family's story.

The story was good - not "can't put down" - but good. Slower in the first half and a much better second half. But extra points to the author for embarking on this journey and empowering the women in her family. I wish I had the ability to create a novel surrounding one of my four Italian immigrant grandparent's stories. It made me wish I knew more.

aileenmaria's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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