In the Light of the Sun

by Angela Shupe

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.

The Philippines, 1941. Young and gifted, Italian Filipina Caramina Grassi dreams of voice training in Italy to become an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa, and their Nonna before her. But when the Japanese military invades, Caramina's family is forced to flee to the mountainous Luzon jungle. Finding comfort in her music, she must find the strength to not only survive but fight to protect her siblings and overcome the devastation of war.

Meanwhile, amidst the opulence of the Florentine opera, budding star soprano Rosa Grassi is soon to finish her time at Luigi Cherubini Conservatorio and debut professionally. As Italy falls deeper under the shadow of Mussolini and his henchmen, the Blackshirts, Rosa discovers that secrets run rampant in times of war. When Nazi jackboots march on Florence, Rosa joins la Resistenza to fight the Germans and Duce’s regime. A fog of intrigue clouds what she knows to be true in her closest relationships. In a time when family or friend could be foe, Rosa will learn that performing isn’t just for the stage. Facing deep betrayal, she’ll risk everything to protect the one she loves.

Based on events inspired by the author's family history throughout the war, In the Light of the Sun leaves the reader with hope to the rich tones of beautiful music.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, World War II, Coming Of Age, War

384 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Angela Shupe is an award-winning author whose essays and articles have appeared in several publications, along with featured short stories in various literary publications. Angela is an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society. Holding a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in Political Science from the University of Detroit, Angela has worked as an editor for a publishing company and as a communications coordinator for a public school district. In the Light of the Sun is her debut novel.

Subscribe to her newsletter for news and updates at https://angelamshupe.substack.com/.

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Light of the Sun is the debut novel of author Angela Shupe and it is a lovely yet serious novel set against the backdrop of the second world war. It focuses mainly on the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. I was literally moved by the setting of how two sisters in different parts of the world and their experience with what was going on. I'll admit there were points where this novel was heartbreaking but the fact that everything turned out okay in the end was a huge relief. The characters and the plot were so moving.
In the Philippines we are introduced to Carmina Grassi who lives with her father and siblings. Her older sister Rosa is studying music in Italy which is also a dream of Carmina's. However, things take a turn for the worse when the day before her birthday she wakes up sick and the Japanese attack Pearl Harbour. The next day the Japanese start occupying the Philippines. Suddenly there is danger everywhere and it seems nowhere is safe.
Across the sea in Italy Rosa is studying music and living with her grandmother. Despite the problems back home manages to make some friends. Everything involving her schooling goes pretty well until the Germans invade Italy. Rosa soon finds herself captured but is later released after her grandmother manages to pull some strings regarding her citizenship. After she is released she has a new view on the war and joins the Resistance in order to make a difference.
Eventually after so much heartbreak the war comes to an end and all is well again. Both Rosa and Carmina are reunited in the United States and Carmina has the opportunity to study music. Overall this was a very lovely story and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always on the lookout for more historical fiction, so when this book caught my eye and I read the description, I was hooked. I love stories that involve families, and I’ve realized over the past year that while I know something about World War II in places like England or the Netherlands, I know little about it in places like Greece, Italy, or the Pacific. So to say that I was excited to read this book is an understatement!

This book had much of what I’m looking for in historical fiction—a good dose of history (I found the part about Mussolini’s rule especially fascinating), a strong family element, some sweet romance, and a compelling plot. I enjoyed switching back and forth between the sister in Italy and the one in the Philippines, too. That kept the story moving, and I didn’t have much trouble keeping them separate. The settings were well-described, and I loved getting peeks into the resistance movements in both countries.

I did struggle with the story’s writing style, though. I enjoy stories written in first-person style, but struggle with first-person, present-tense. That element kept jerking me out of the story, and likely as a result, I never felt like I was truly into or gripped by the book. That was disappointing to me, even though it’s a personal problem, because I feel like I would have otherwise loved the book!

If you enjoy learning about history while experiencing a new or unusual setting, I’d recommend you check this book out. Be sure to read the author’s note, too—some of the things I thought were the most unrealistic while I was reading were actually likely quite realistic, as a lot of this book is based on the author’s family’s stories! I loved her explanations there; very special to see where real life meets fiction. This is a good read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[Vivien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by true events, In the Light of the Sun is a hauntingly beautiful story of two sisters during WWll, Rosa in Italy and Caramina in the Philippines. It sheds light on the devastating events, profound loss each faces during the war and ultimately, their love of and the healing powers of music.

In the Philippines, Caramina is forced to flee her family home when the Japanese army invades and witnesses the horrors that come with it. Despite that, the family’s strength and ability to celebrate life and love with what little they had was inspiring.

Meanwhile across the ocean, Rosa, a soprano student living with her Nonna in Florence, deals with the injustices and terrors under Mussolini’s shadow. Ignoring the dangers, they use their position as sopranos in the industry to help the underground resistance.

This was a gripping read that makes me grateful for each precious moment with my loved ones. I'm looking forward to more by Angela Shupe!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction book about World War II that focused on the Philippines and Italy, two countries that suffered greatly, but not too many fiction books have covered it. The stories of two sisters Rosa in Italy, staying with her Nonna and studying music at the conservatory, and her younger sister Caramina also an aspiring singer in the Philippines living with widowed father and siblings is a beautifully written, heartbreaking, and gut wrenching story. The story is told in alternating chapters focusing on each young woman’s story, the trials and challenges each one faced, along with heartwarming moments in which family and friends helped each other through difficult times. I highly recommend this book by this debut author, who I feel has a great future ahead of her with her writing, I certainly hope she continues with the historical fiction genre since it is one of my favorite genres to read. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book and I can’t say enough good things about this story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Light of the Sun is a historical fiction novel based on the real life events of the authors family. The story is set from 1941-1945 during WW2 in Italy and the Philippines. It is told through dual POV of Rosa and her younger sister, Caramina. Rosa is located in Italy with her Nonna studying music and singing, while Caramina is with the rest of the family in the Philippines. They both experience different trials and horrors of war while also learning to love.
I really enjoyed this as it was different than other historical fiction books I’ve read during the same time period. I honestly don’t think I knew about Japan invading the Philippines until looking up more information while reading this. I feel like most books have the characters located in Europe so it was really interesting to read about somewhere else. This book had several horrifying and sad moments, and ended on a happier note.
Thank you NetGalley and WaterBrook for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you MB Communications for having me on tour for this beautiful book. N emotional debut by Shupe, and she will be one to watch.

This story is emotional with two sisters living through war. The story is set mainly in the Philippines with the occupation of the Japanese. The sisters living in different areas during the war, and their experiences will tug at your heartstring and truly have you on edge to find out how they endure through their experiences. Family and the resilience will guide them in ways not thought possible.

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

read about halfway then skimmed the rest
unfortunately I found it quite slow! the writing was well done but the plot and pacing just dragged a bit- i didn't feel a strong pull to keep reading to find out what happened next.
a big thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC!

[Leah Stuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Light of the Sun is a heartbreaking, yet beautiful story about the realities of war, and what it truly means to live in a war-torn country.

Based on the true story of the author's family, the story follows two sisters, living in separate countries during WWII and how the war affects them and their family, and how they keep hope alive despite their circumstances.

In 1941, Rosa Grassi is living in Florence, Italy with her grandmother and is studying to become a professional opera singer. But Mussolini has tightened his grip on Italy, making life more difficult as the days go by. Soon, Rosa gets drawn into the underground resistance, la Resistenza, and has to learn who around her can be trusted and who can't. Rosa must decide how much she is willing to risk for her family and friends.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Rosa's younger sister, Caramina, dreams of traveling to Italy to become an opera singer just like Rosa. But her world is shattered as war erupts in the Philippines. Caramina and her family must seek refuge in the jungle with her aunt and uncle after their home and lives are threatened. But they aren't out of danger completely as Japanese troops get closer and threaten their safety.

In the Light of the Sun is an eye-opening novel. It shows the reality of what life was like in the Philippians and Italy during the war. I had never heard what it was like in these particular countries at that time. I especially did not know of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and the horror of how they treated the Pilipino people. It is a harsh reality, but it is important for us to read and know about.

Despite the harsh realities of war displayed in this book, this is also a story of hope, love, and courage. Rosa, Caramina, and their families endure so much hardship, but despite all of it, they cling to each other, new relationships and love blossoms, and there is hope. In the midst of all of it we see how music can lift our spirits and bring light even in the darkest of times.

This is an amazing story and a must read!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Shupe has a beautifully written debut novel with "In the Light of the Sun". This book follows a family of opera singers and is set in Italy and the Philippines from the middle of . It's loosely based on the life of her mother and aunts who experienced many of the things that happened in this book. I found this book intriguing as it's the first historical fiction book I've read written in the Philippines and it portrays the horrors the people there experienced due to the Japanese invasion.

This book also touches on the racism the sisters experienced in both countries due to being mixed Italian and Filipino mestizos. Their father is Italian and their mother who passed away prior to the beginning of the book was a Filipina. The author did a great job conveying sentiments in both countries on how people looked a those of mixed race as being different.

Rosa lives with her Nonna (Italian for grandmother) in Italy and is studying to become an opera soprano in a war torn Italy in danger from Mussolini's Blackshirts and the Nazi's. Caramina is living in the Phillippines with her father, sister and brothers when they have to escape their home to go to her aunt and uncle's home in the mountain jungles. The sisters both face dangerous events of different types in both war-torn locations. They experience loss and also great love.

Overall this was a strong debut novel that I found intriguing. I want to thank WaterBrook & Multnomah for an opportunity to read a complimentary ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

Thanks to Waterbrook for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.

This is the story of two sisters impacted by WWII, one in Italy training as an opera singer and one dreaming of following in her footsteps in the Philippines. Isabella, the opera singer, has the WWII experience that we'd all expect. Oppressed by Il Duce, worried about food, tempted by the resistance and yet still pursuing love and singing. Caramina, in the Philippines is living a quiet, humble life until the threat from Japan becomes very real. She experiences so many of the horrors of war.

I have, for the most part, embargoed WWII fiction but the Philippine angle on this one was intriguing to me. I was interested to learn how the war unfolded there and what the average person went through. Both girls stories were resonant and harrowing, but Isabella's was very predictable based on other stories from Europe. I think I would have preferred just the one POV in this case. Also I needed more of an ending.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Light of the Sun, by Angela Shupe, is a very well written and easy to read story that takes place during in 1941. The story covers what happened in the Philippines and in Italy and how it affected the Grassi family. Rosa is in Italy with her grandmother studying music and her younger sister is in the Philippines, looking forward to joining her. But the war breaks out and neither place is safe.

This is such a good story. I was kept reading to see how the family stayed safe and how the dangers impacted them, their family and friends and their future. I have read many stories based on the War but not one that takes place in the Philippines. This was so interesting. I enjoyed how descriptive the story it. It was easy to try to visualize what was happening and the surroundings. It was interesting to read of the types of food they ate and the shortages they suffered. I appreciate the author using music as a way to bring comfort to people during such a stressful time. I like how the story showed how caring people were to each other to keep them safe, even if they did not know them.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intelligently composed novel, set in Florence and the Philippines during WW2. It was interesting historically as although much is known and documented about Europe and the Far East during the War, there is only limited exposure in the West of the impact of Japanese attacks in the Philippines.

OneCall family, divided by continents, but United in their contributions to bringing the War to the end. Courage, dedication, sacrifice, determination, love and loss, hold the family together through sad and harrowing times until the three sisters are United in America at the end of the War.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to share my review of of this ARC.

[Georgia 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Light of the Sun is a such a fresh take on a historical fiction! I loved the focus on one large family, seperated by the Second World War, and follows their different experiences as they navigate survival, displacement, loss and fear.

The connection between the two FMC's, through their love of music, was an interesting read, especially for someone who isn't very musical but was thrilled to learn more about it! The way this story centres around the love of music, and their talent for it, adds another layer to this book, one you didn't know you needed but absolutely do need! It becomes their lifeline and is a beautiful tool they use to process their grief and longing.

Rosa lives in Italy during the outbreak of War with her grandmother, who is a huge character herself! I loved that 'Nonna' was not a quiet, old lady but a huge force to be reckoned with, passionate about her family, her music and doing right by others. Rosa learns from her and others around her to become a well developed and fleshed out character.

Cara lives with her family in the Philippines and must flee her home when the Japanese Army invades. She is determined to support her family, to find a way to survive. I loved each member of the family - although numerous, they all stick out for different reasons and were very much their own individual characters.

All of the characters in this book face heartbreak, loss, devastation, fear - and they all grow because of it. I found the characters really drove the plot forward and the ending was everything I wanted it to be!

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves history, who loves character driven stories and wants to read about strong female characters.

[Hikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping story about two sisters, one in Italy (Rosa) and one in the Philippines (Cara) during WW2. The chapters, more or less, alternate between the two sisters as they try to survive the conflict. As they are two of five siblings, Cara's POV is slightly harder to get into due to the volume of family members we're introduced to. Nevertheless, once you settle in, it's a story that you find yourself longing to come back to. The romance is sweet and kept to a level of a few kisses.

But it is war and both sisters go through some dark times. Rosa experiences racism under Mussolini's fascists then general terror under the Nazis as she sees them deport anyone they choose, especially anyone Jewish. Cara's experience is of the Japanese taking over the Philippines as she hides with her family in a remote farm: their brutality is never far away, nor their "comfort women" (military brothels). It is war so both sisters experience loss. But evil is ultimately defeated, peace returns and the survivors can start to rebuild their lives.

Highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nadja · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
This book was purely fascinating and captivating. To read a book where the storyline is set during the second world war is in general nothing new but to see it from a different perspective was something I really liked about it.
The book is manly about two sisters. One peruses her dreams and is vocal trained in Italy while she lives with her Nonna. The other one has the same dream but is to young and is still with her family in the Philippines. You follow their stories during the second world war and see how much of an impact it has on them as well as what part music plays in it.
I loved to read in both perspectives and was excited to see their dynamic and how they will react and handle. The role in which the music participates was so important and had a great inpact on both of their lives.
What I want to say is that I recommend this book to everyone who likes the historical aspect as well as the musical one.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing story set in the early 1940’s ranging from Italy to the Philippines. As a war rages, families are torn apart and do everything they can to hold onto each other. Well written historical fiction with a great cast of characters, the female protagonists are enchanting. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

[Penny A · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was in January, 73 years ago, that Japanese forces took Manila after invading the Philippines. As a lover of World War II history, I was aware of battles in that area, but most of my reading has focused on the situation in Europe and Britain. This book fills the void with a tender, moving story of how the war affected the residents of the Philippines.

The story begins in 1941. Rosa Grassi, born of a Philippine mother and Italian father, has left her home near Manila to study opera in Italy. She lives with her grandmother, a famous opera singer, and takes lessons at the conservatory in Florence. The talented young woman has an impressive voice and the maestros who surround her believe she will have a long and successful career.

Back at the family home near Floridablanca, outside of Manila, Rosa’s younger sister Caramina dreams of following in her big sister’s footsteps. Also blessed with a beautiful voice, she must wait until she is older before going to Florence. As the book opens, Caramina is about to celebrate her 14th birthday. A beautiful dress of pink organdy has been made and a special cake baked for the upcoming celebration. But on December 11, 1941, bombs at nearby airfields send the family running into the jungle. The birthday party and life as they knew it are gone.

The chapters go back and forth between Italy and the Philippines. Rosa’s easy life as a student and performer are challenged by Mussolini and his thugs, by shortages of basic necessities and by racial prejudice. Caramina and her family struggle to find food as well, but their biggest threat is from Japanese soldiers in the area. The young girl and her family find themselves in terrifying situations, also victims of racial prejudice and brutality. Because of the war in both hemispheres, there is no way to stay in touch – no letters, no phone calls, no way to know if loved ones are still alive.

Although this book is historical fiction, it is based on the experiences and life of Shupe’s own family. Her mother’s dream was to train in Florence like her aunt did. The author grew up listening to stories from relatives who survived the wars in both places. The result is a story of resilience, of resistance, of sisterhood and family strength, and the impact music has on our lives. As we lose those who lived through World War II, books like this open our eyes to a little-known but very important piece of history.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

​The Italian-Filipino Plight
​Before the war, a small but vibrant Italian community lived in the Philippines, mostly as businessmen, clergy, and artists. Their world shattered in September 1943 when Italy signed an armistice with the Allies.
​Suddenly, the Japanese military viewed these Italians as traitors. Many were rounded up and sent to the Los Baños Internment Camp or the University of Santo Tomas. They endured the same starvation and diseases as American civilians, but with the added psychological weight of being "betrayed" by their former Axis ally. Those not interned lived under heavy surveillance, their movements restricted as the Battle of Manila turned their neighborhoods into a furnace.

Under the shadow of the 1938 Racial Laws (Leggi Razziali), the treatment of mixed-race individuals, such as Italian-Filipinos, was governed by an increasingly obsessed Fascist focus on "racial purity."​ In the eyes of the Mussolini regime, mixed-race children were often labelled as meticci (half-bloods).

However, they remained in a precarious "middle ground"—not quite "white" enough for the Fascist ideologues and too "foreign" for some local nationalists.

​Navigating Survival
​The Philippines: Civilians practiced diskarte (resourcefulness). As the Japanese confiscated livestock, city dwellers turned to eating swamp cabbage. The Hukbalahap resistance movement was born out of the necessity for rural protection.

​Italy: After the fall of Mussolini, Italy transitioned from an Axis power to a co-belligerent with the Allies, but the North remained under Nazi occupation (the Salò Republic). Families were caught in a "war of attrition" between Allied bombings and Nazi massacres.

​Opera: The Sound of Defiance
​Artists found a strange sort of protection in Opera. Because the regime viewed Opera as a pinnacle of Italian greatness, talented singers of various backgrounds were sometimes "overlooked" by local authorities as long as they contributed to the cultural prestige of the nation. They used this visibility to shield their families or provide cover for resistance activities, proving that art could be a powerful armour against prejudice.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel that is quick to deliver all the elements of historical fiction a reader will want to see.

Caramina Grassi wants nothing more than to be an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa. When war breaks out and her family is in danger they find refuge in the Philippine jungle. The music that has always been a comfort ends up being what keeps her sane in the madness. While Caramina and family are in the jungle, Rosa is waiting her opera debut in Italy when the fighting breaks out causing her to go underground. With both sisters dealing with the drama of war and not making it out to see each other again might be more than they can take.

A fun take on an old concept, historical fiction with an opera twist and sibling drama. Angela Shupe delivered a great debut novel with In the Light of the Sun, the drama of the impending war along with family being separated created a fun read that I will be thinking about long after I turned the final page. Caramina and Rosa were great central characters that pulled me in and made me root for them to find happiness, a sure-fire recipe for a great read. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great historical fiction novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Sharon O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books about WWII over the years. I have enjoyed all of them! For some reason, this one was the most easily relatable. My dad was in the Navy at the end of the war. I have relatives who were born during the war. The characters were all written so well that I could picture them, feel with them. I cried several times because I felt their losses as well as their joys.
I appreciate what felt were true accounts, even though they were often terrifying. Again I have read other books centered around the war and even though there were incidents of killing and cruelty, I felt this story painted this time a little more fully.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have stated, I was also unfamiliar with the Japanese bombing and occupation of the Philippines, following the Pearl Harbor attacks. This is a strong family story amidst the separation of sisters and the horror of war they experienced in different countries. The musical connections are compelling, as well. Highly recommend.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional. The characters are well thought out and the story is well-written. I read this so fast - simply couldn’t put it down! I don’t usually read books set in war time, but the unique perspective of this one intrigued me. I highly recommend it!

[Karen Keefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing hard to put down. Thanks for enlightening the Pacific theater during WW II

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The writing is beautiful, and the story is about a time/place in history that I’ve not read/learned about before.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story- couldn’t put this one down!

[Melanie Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the start. I felt every emotion with these characters. It left me wanting more.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Thank you Goodreads giveaways for the chance to review it.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Light of the Sun is a spectacular debut by Angela Shupe. I love the WWII and Philippine setting, the dual viewpoints from sisters, the historical details, elements of music, and that the inspiration for the story is based on experiences of the author’s family.

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of a present tense narration. I struggled at the beginning; however, the style became effortless as the story progressed. Carmina and Rosa are easy to connect and empathize with, and their stories are absorbing.

I went through a host of emotions and really enjoyed how the story showcased the healing power of music, love, and hope!

First Line: The room crackles with energy.
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII
Author: Angela Shupe
Page Count: 384

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

[Kay Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried and I don’t often do that when reading. Shupe does a great job of fleshing out people who are human beings, not characters in a book. War is horrid — she doesn’t shy from its atrocities, but the light is behind the darkness in very non-corny ways.

It is definitely a first book and thus the 4 star rating. Words were overused at times, descriptions became too common, but beyond that was a story that perhaps rang so true because Shupe’s family’s story was its inspiration!