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.
Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Angela Shupe’s In The Light of the Sun, which releases on October 7th 2025.
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.
Excerpted from In the Light of the Sun by Angela Shupe. Copyright © 2025 by Angela Shupe. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Rosa
December 1, 1941
Florence, Italy
The room crackles with energy.
Dots of silver glimmer along the princess’s gown, luminescent stars against the midnight dark of the stage curtains. I listen to the mysterious prince’s declarations. Finally, the princess’s heart of ice melts, no match for his love. At the dazzling spectacle of music, drama, and costumes, the crowd erupts into applause.
My ears ring as I applaud, adding to the ovation following the closing notes of Puccini’s Turandot. The tenor’s performance of the “Nessun dorma” captivated every soul in the audience. Hearts, including my own, are bolstered by this rallying cry offering hope to the most unfortunate in love.
“Stunning, yes?” Nonna’s smile is as wide as the stage. I wonder if she is remembering her own past triumphs. She was a prima donna and still is.
She’s right. I’ve never seen anything like this, and I am speechless. This—this is why I came here. Why I left the Philippines and the family I love. To one day perform upon such a great stage and, I hope, to leave listeners enthralled. Exhilaration from hearing the powerful notes sung with such emotion buzzes through me, head to toe.
“Andiamo, come.” She leads me from the box and down the sweeping marble staircase to the lobby where people have gathered for an after-party gala. My grandmother’s sophistication hasn’t faded with age. How many times has she descended these stairs after her own triumphant performance?
“Serafina!” Conductor Signor Gastani greets Nonna like the oldest of friends.
Nonna smiles warmly. “Rocco! Perfezione, as always!”
“Grazie mille! You are too kind. But now, I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting this one. Your granddaughter? Rosa, isn’t it?”
“Sì, she is finishing up at conservatory.”
“Your duet at last year’s festival was exceptional. You have your nonna’s gift. I see good things ahead for you, Rosa.”
My cheeks flush. Having a tenth of Nonna’s vocal abilities would be more than enough. In the presence of the illustrious conductor, my nerves twinge, and I’m grateful for the champagne, which, fortunately, stills the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “Grazie, Signor Gastani!”
A woman in an emerald gown beckons to him. “Ah, I must go. But I look forward to hearing you sing again, Rosa Grassi!” He takes my hand and shakes it gently before ducking into the crowd and pursuing a flash of green.
This is more than I could have hoped for—Signor Gastani’s kindness. My head buzzes, and I can’t tell if it’s from the champagne or the excitement. It has been the most extraordinary evening.
Nonna circles the room, greeting friends old and new, and she introduces me to those I haven’t yet met. As the crowd dwindles, we take our leave. I wrap myself in my shawl against the winter chill till all that is seen of my ruby satin gown is the hem. The dress was a bold choice, but its rich hue exudes confidence.
Outside, on the steps of the theater, we wait for Nonna’s car. She continues her goodbyes to a longtime friend, a former violinist. Though I’ve been here three years, it still amazes me. Rarely is there a time we’re out that someone doesn’t offer Nonna a hello and their good wishes.
“Per favore, Signorina. Can you help us?” Someone taps my shoulder, and I turn to find myself face-to-face with a woman who can’t be more than five years my senior. Clutching at her skirts is a young boy, maybe five or six years old. Her son, I presume. Both wear tattered coats. Meager protection against the cold. From the haggard look on their faces, I know they are hungry.
“I . . . I’m sorry, I don’t have any,” I say, wishing I’d brought money. Anything to give to this mother and her child.
“Here,” Nonna’s voice comes from behind me. “This should be of some help.” She hands the woman a few banknotes.
Tears well up in the woman’s eyes as she steps away thanking Nonna profusely for the lira. “Grazie! Grazie! May God bless you for your kindness,” she says, then leads her son across the street.
As our car pulls away, my gaze lingers on the two. Thank goodness Nonna had money to give. No one should live in such distress, especially not a child.
“What did you think, Rosa?” Nonna’s voice breaks me away from my thoughts. She dips her head to the libretto in her hand. I share my thoughts, and she quizzes me about particulars as we break down each singer’s performance. All part of my training. But I love it! I know what a gift it is to be mentored by someone as esteemed as my grandmother.
When we return home, it’s nearly ten o’clock. But sitting in the living room is my Uncle Lorenzo. Nonna is as surprised as I am to find him here at such a late hour.
“Lorenzo,” Nonna greets him.
“Mama,” he says, not moving from where he sits. He says nothing to me.
“Why don’t you give us a minute, Rosa.”
“I’ll go change.” I’m relieved to get away from the tension hanging in the air like a suffocating blanket, and I take my time before heading back downstairs twenty minutes later.
“The Duce can make things difficult for you, Mama. There is only so much I can do!” As I enter the living room, Uncle Lorenzo nearly knocks me over. Frustration oozes from him. He pushes past me muttering, “Mezzosangue.”
I inhale sharply as if slapped.
“Lorenzo!” Nonna snaps.
“Bah!” He ignores her, then turns to leave. Heavy footsteps are followed by the thud of the front door slamming.
Half-breed. Mixed race. My stomach curdles in anger. Aside from those insults, my uncle has barely spoken a word to me since I arrived in Italy years ago.
The silence in the room is deafening. Nonna, her face etched with sadness, stands. “Come, Rosa. He is ignorant.” She ushers me into the kitchen.
That Lorenzo could be Nonna’s son is a mystery. He is nothing like her. Nothing like my father, the younger of her two sons.
