Q: What is your debut novel, In the Light of the Sun, about? 
AS: In The Light of the Sun centers on two sisters, both aspiring sopranos, Caramina and Rosa Grassi. Caramina, the younger of the two, is getting closer to going to Italy to voice train, when the Japanese bomb the US airbases near her home in the Philippines. Forced to flee, she and her family seek refuge at her aunt and uncle’s farm in the mountainous jungles of Luzon for the duration of the war. Caramina not only has to overcome her fear in order to survive, but also to help protect her beloved family. 

At the same time, Rosa is in Italy with their nonna, a former soprano, and is finishing up her studies at conservatory. Rosa is soon to debut as a professional soprano in the opulent but turbulent world of Florentine opera under Mussolini and his henchmen, the Blackshirts. But when Germany declares war, and the Nazis march on the city, Rosa begins to suspect those closest to her are keeping secrets and questions if she should join the resistance in the fight against Duce and the Germans. Before the war ends, she’ll be faced with the most difficult decision of her life, one that could be a life and death decision for the one she loves the most.

Q: What inspired you to write the novel?
AS: When I was young, I was captivated by the stories told me by my mom and aunts about growing up in the Philippines and during wartime, as well as the stories of my aunt who went to Italy to voice train with their nonna. This former Italian soprano traveled the world performing with the Grande Compagnia d’Opera Italiana. With every family visit, stories were shared about their wonderful father, their loving family, their love of music, the fun and mischief they had, and their overcoming of exceptionally difficult times. All of it had a profound effect on me. 

My mother and aunts were exceptionally strong women who overcame immense difficulty during the war. Yet they went on to live full lives with joy, hope, and strength. Their example had a profound effect upon me. Inspired by them, I wanted to convey the idea that you can overcome even the most difficult circumstances and continue living a life of joy and hope. Also, it’s been my experience that many people are unaware of the war in the Philippines. It was important to me to bring it to light as it was hugely impactful for the Filipino people, particularly young Filipinas.

Q: What kind of research did you do to write the book?
AS: I interviewed my aunts and my godmother to flesh out my mother’s experiences before deciding to write the book. I also read many books about the war in the Philippines, including several memoirs by people who, like my mother and aunts, grew up during wartime, as well as quite a bit of other non-fiction about the war. My godmother was a first reader of Caramina’s narrative and advised me as only one who lived through the experience could. 

Regarding Rosa’s story, I’d spoken with my aunt, who lived in Italy during the war. I’ve been fortunate to visit Italy several times, which aided in my research. Additionally, I was in contact with a few professors here in the US and in Florence who generously helped guide my research. I devoured several non-fiction books on music in Italy under Mussolini, the Italian resistance, opera, women in the Italian resistance, and Italy during the war.

More information on the materials I used for research can be found on my website.

Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching?
AS: Though I’d heard of the ‘comfort houses’ before I began researching the war in the Philippines, I was devastated to learn the extent of the horrors perpetrated upon young Filipinas and other young Asian women by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces. Between 1932 and 1945, over 200,000 women and girls were forced into sexual slavery. Many who survived were, sadly, ostracized and lived in silence due to a misplaced sense of shame. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that some of the survivors bravely began sharing their horrific experiences publicly.

Also, though I knew that my aunt had gone to Italy to voice train and was there during the war, I was stunned to learn that she spent time in a Nazi jail for being an enemy alien as a Filipina citizen.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from reading the book?
AS: I hope readers walk away with a new understanding of what happened in the Philippines during the war, as it was devastating for the Filipino people, especially Filipinas. I also hope readers come away inspired by the idea that it is possible to face great difficulty and live a full life with joy and hope.

Q: What was your journey to publication like?
AS: Publication is a long journey. Though I began researching part-time in 2012, I started writing in 2015. After finishing my first draft in 2016, I worked on revisions before seeking a literary agent in 2018. Though I had several positive responses from agents who read the manuscript, there were no takers. I then reached out to a very experienced developmental editor, who was kind enough to assess the manuscript. After this wonderful experience, I decided to add Rosa’s narrative to the story, as the original manuscript was written from a single point of view: Caramina’s. It was after this that I found a literary agent and then signed with my publishing company in December of 2023. The book was published in October of 2025, and I’m so grateful.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring novelists?
AS: Put pen to paper and keep writing! Seek out learning opportunities to grow as a writer. Doing so only helps you learn craft, hone your skills, and provides the tremendous benefit of having mentors and community along this very long journey. And don’t forget to celebrate the wins along the way!

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
AS: Be wise about whose voices you listen to as you work towards your goal. Unfortunately, there are always naysayers. So, focus on what you know to be true and seek out others more experienced than you who can be good mentors.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
AS: In 2018, I entered the manuscript into a contest. I was stunned and thrilled when I learned it placed as a semi-finalist in the William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing Novel Competition. This inspired me to keep going. Also, seeing the gorgeous cover of my book for the first time was an emotional and memorable moment. The designer did a fabulous job capturing the essence of the story, the opera, and the Philippines and Italy.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
AS: I wish I’d been better about taking the time to celebrate the wins along the way. Honestly, it makes the journey so much more enjoyable.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
AS: I was a pre-law major before switching to English with a minor in Political Science. Initially, I thought I’d become a lawyer. Then, I took every international politics and relations course available. I wanted to work abroad, maybe in a foreign service job. Regardless, I always loved writing, story, and history. Writing this book has been a blend of all of these things, which is truly satisfying.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
AS: I began writing this novel when my kids were young, and they are both adults now. Balance is crucial to keep going. Be kind to yourself as you move through life. Life happens. Set firm boundaries. And there are times when you simply have to step away. It’s inevitable. Don’t beat yourself up for it. 

Take a break and come back to the work when your mind and body are rested. Your work will be better for it.

Six Things About You Angela Shupe

1. What's your favorite family tradition? 
I love spending time at Lake Michigan with my family during the summer. 

2. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Picking one favorite is hard. I love biking, paddleboarding, reading, and baking.

3. What was the last book you really got into? 
Alexander Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo

4. What’s your favorite international food? 
Another hard question…I love pancit, lumpia, and arancini.

5. Who is your favorite author? 
Charlotte Bronte. I love Jane Eyre.

6. Cake or pie? 
Both! I can’t pick. I love baking and enjoying both.