Jennifer Anton
Author Interview - Jennifer Anton
Author of Under the Light of the Italian Moon
“Inspired by a true story of love and women’s resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII
Set in Fonzaso, Italy between two wars, Under the Light of the Italian Moon tells the story of Nina Argenta, the daughter of the town’s strong-willed midwife. Nina seeks to define her own destiny but when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When she falls for childhood friend, Pietro Pante, during his brief visit from America, she has to find a way to be with the man she loves.
Pietro and Nina begin a long-distance relationship that continues as Mussolini forces political tensions to rise and his fascists throw the country into chaos. When Hitler’s Nazis occupy and terrorise their town, Nina struggles to survive and her dreams of a life with Pietro are threatened by an enemy she must face alone… “
Author Interview - Jennifer Anton
Author I draw inspiration from: Margaret Mitchell who wrote Gone with the Wind is my first inspiration. A novel about a strong woman under great adversity and, at the same time, a love story. As a feminist, Scarlett's independence and strength appealed to me and Mitchell brought her perfectly to life. I also like reading Paula McClain and the work she does highlighting Hemingway's women as well as classic authors like Colette and Virginia Woolfe.
Author Interview - Jennifer Anton
Favorite place to read a book: In front of our fire place at our home in Lake Como with a big cup of coffee next to me and a chunky grandma sweater wrapped around me. Heavenly!!!!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Rhett Butler, of course, or maybe Daisy from Great Gatsby. We could Charleston and drink until they saved us!
Author Interview - Jennifer Anton
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: In fifth grade I started a little Drama and Literature club and made my teacher print a collection of short stories and poems I had rallied the class to develop. I knew then I liked to write but my other career of marketing and business was probably on show then too and that is the professional route I took. In 2006, after I had a very difficult pregnancy and delivery and my grandmother died, I knew that I had to write my first book about her life in Italy during WWII. Women are incredible and powerful creatures and we don't get enough credit and then get buried in history. It became my mission to not let that happen.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Personally, I'm a paperback woman. I love the feel in my hands but I can't find space in my London flat for all my books!
The last book I read: Night Portrait by Laura Morelli and now I'm reading The Girl with the Silver Star by Rachel Zolotov. I'm keen to also read A Little Life next but I don't know if I can deal with the sadness.
Author Interview - Jennifer Anton
Pen & paper or computer: I love pen and paper but have realized that a computer saves so much time it just isn't worth it. That said, I like to have a tiny Smythson notepad in my handbag so when inspiration strikes I can just write - no matter where I am. I absolutely can't type on a mobile. I have the fattest thumbs and the messiest texts!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Staying in line....Melanie Wilkes from GWTW and Jordan Baker from Great Gatsby. One for loyalty and kindness the other for drinking cocktails, laughing and dancing!
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: I am both an author and an international marketing VP for fashion and beauty companies, most recently for Tory Burch in Europe and Middle East but if neither of those things I'd be a Broadway star. The only problem is the lack of skills for singing.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1930s absolutely! Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel all in their heydays! I have a fabulous book called 1930s fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook and I open it regularly and dream. We should all dress like that again.
Place I’d most like to travel: I always escape to Italy every chance I get and we were able to spend over three months there this year. While Italy is always the beloved and stunning go - to, we typically do one more adventurous trip every year. In the past it's been Argentina, Japan, India or Vietnam. On the top of my list next is Petra. It looks so fascinating and mystical.
My signature drink: French 75 but I took quite well to the espresso martini trend that came last year. I'll likely head back to my favorite French 75s, though.
Favorite artist: Nikki De Saint Phalle - french Feminist artist and sculptor. I find inspiration in how she explored the woman's body and power in her art. I love that she had an installation where everyone had to enter through a vagina! :)
Number one on my bucket list: Positively impact other women's lives with my own. Through my career in business, my writing, and the way I live and my daughter.
Anything else you'd like to add: Yes! Thank you to Ashley for your beautiful work in highlighting other people's work and for being a creator! The world needs more people creating and looking at things in fresh ways! I love women who help raise other women up and I hope we can continue to do that together! Own your power! Be bold!
Find more from the author:
Instagram @boldwomanwriting
Author Bio: 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. Her novel, Under the Light of the Italian Moon: Inspired by a true story of love and women's resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII publishes on March 8th, 2021 International Women's day.
