In the Light of the Sun

By Angela Shupe

Book Overview

Two sisters, separated by oceans and global conflict, are bonded through music and love in this gripping novel based on true events from World War II.

"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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593601939
• ISBN13: 9780593601938
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Waterbrook Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

WWII in Italy and Philippines

"The ebb and flow of grief is like the crescendo and decrescendo in music. Without the depths, there is no true appreciation for the crests of joy." Angela Shupe's debut novel set during WWII in Italy and Philippines was gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. Slivers of hope and love threaded through the mountain of grief, terror, and suffering to blossom into rays of peace shining down on the path to healing. The author addressed more than the war in this book; she touched upon racial discrimination, beauty and power of music, and forgiveness. First person present tense voices of Rosa in Italy and Cara in Philippines held the momentum of the plot. For the most part, Rosa and Cara felt like the same person, with their desire to study and sing opera, loyalty and love for their family, and finding a romantic interest. They are five years apart but their voices seemed to hold the same maturity, which did not seem realistic. Stunted dialogue, almost like the conversations were translated, held back the rhythm of the narration. I did love seeing Philippines and Italy through the book and really enjoyed that the author weaved her own family history into the story. Help from unlikely people and betrayal from unlikely people kept the plot interesting. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Waterbrook via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.