In the Light of the Sun - by Angela Shupe (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Hauntingly beautiful . . . shines a light on wartime in the Philippines and Italy, places rarely depicted in historical fiction . . . a riveting, unforgettable must-read novel that will live in my heart and mind for years to come."--Sharon Kurtzman, author of The Lost Baker of Vienna

The year is 1941, and in the Philippines, Caramina Grassi dreams of training in Italy to become an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa. But as war erupts, her world is shattered, forcing her to cling to the music that has always been her refuge. When her family's lives are threatened and they are forced to flee to the jungle, she comes to understand that music is more than comfort. It becomes a muse that fuels her courage, sacrifice, and unwavering focus on the light.

Meanwhile, in Florence, just as Rosa Grassi's long-awaited opera debut arrives, Mussolini tightens his grip on Italy. Drawn into la Resistenza, the underground resistance, Rosa feels lost in a fog of deception that clouds everything she thought to be true. In a time when family or friend could be foe, Rosa will learn that performing isn't just for the stage. Facing a devastating betrayal, she must decide how far she's willing to go to protect the one she loves.

Inspired by true events, In the Light of the Sun is an unforgettable story of sisterhood, hope, and the enduring power of music to uplift the human spirit--even in the darkest of times.

Review Quotes

"In the Light of the Sun is a hauntingly beautiful WWII novel that shines a light on wartime in the Philippines and Italy, places rarely depicted in historical fiction. Based on meticulous research and inspired by the author's own family, two sisters are torn apart by war in a story about the unbreakable bonds between family members. This novel balances tension and tenderness, while paying tribute to one family's bravery, hope, resilience, and the stirring power of music to help and heal the soul. In the Light of the Sun is a riveting, unforgettable must-read novel that will live in my heart and mind for years to come."--Sharon Kurtzman, author of The Lost Baker of Vienna

"This book is a powerful exploration of the courage of ordinary people, the unbreakable ties of sisterhood, and the abiding bond between music and hope. Inspired by her own family's history, Angela Shupe transports readers across the harrowing years of WWII in a journey both sweeping and intimate. Fans of Kristy Cambron and Mario Escobar will want to put this novel at the top of their reading list. A magnificent debut!"--Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The Warsaw Sisters

"At once timeless and of the moment, In the Light of the Sun is a luminous and lyrical debut. In this gripping story of two sisters doing their best to follow their hearts during periods of immense turmoil, Angela Shupe has shown that she's a truly gifted writer with a bright future in fiction."--Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Good for You

"At the heart of this riveting and compellingly researched novel, two sisters bound by blood and music experience acts of individual resistance and courage in the far-reaching theatres of the Second World War. Resilience and unexpected grace underpin Shupe's careful excavation of a unique history tethered in real-life events. Readers of Kristina McMorris, Susan Meissner and Yvette Manessis Corporon will be clamoring for more."--Rachel McMillan, bestselling author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code

About the Author