Fascism and Feminism in Italy may not strike you as related ideas. Indeed, they are often more opposed than aligned. However, like much of Italy’s history, it’s more complicated than initially meets the eye.
The topics of this post could not be timelier. March is Women's History Month, and March 8th, specifically, is International Women’s Day. And unfortunately, the concept of Fascism has reared its ugly head again in recent years. I discuss this more in depth during the conversation with my guest on today’s podcast episode.
My guest is author Jennifer Anton, and she’s an American/Italian dual citizen who moved from Chicago to Milan, and now lives between London and Lake Como. (Lucky her, right?!?)

For the past 14 years, she’s been researching and writing a novel about the lives of her female ancestors and Italian midwives during the time of Mussolini's rule. Under the Light of the Italian Moon is a novel inspired by a true story of love and women's resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII. A gripping historical fiction based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.

I’ve lightly touched on the topic of feminism in Italy before, with memories of my encounters with the Neapolitan version of chivalry and the dating rules in Italy. But as my guest pointed out so correctly, I was merely recounting a man’s version of feminism, no matter how well-intended. Shame on me. Well, I didn’t have a daughter back then… but I guess that’s no excuse. 

Rick Zullo · Fascism and Feminism in Italy with Jennifer Anton - FCI 043

Fascism and Feminism in Italy - Between Two Wars

Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave.

"Under the Light of the Italian Moon"

When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.

As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorize their town,