When Sleeping Women Wake - by Emma Pei Yin (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this remarkable and harrowing debut novel, three extraordinary women-a mother, her daughter, and their maid-are each forced on a journey to survival during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this remarkable and harrowing debut novel, three extraordinary women--a mother, her daughter, and their maid--are each forced on a journey of survival during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II.

"A lushly romantic and impassioned story of women's agency and resilience."--Juhea Kim, internationally bestselling author of Beasts of a Little Land and City of Night Birds

1941. Following the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, the wealthy Tang family has settled in Hong Kong, believing it to be protected under British occupation. As the First Wife of the family, Mingzhu leads a glamorous, if at times lonely, existence--mothering the son of her husband's concubine, overseeing her daughter Qiang's education, and directing their household of servants, including her long-time confidante, Biyu.

But when the Japanese invade Hong Kong, the paths of Mingzhu, Qiang, and Biyu wildly diverge. Although Mingzhu's affinity for languages spares her from physical labor, she finds herself coerced to either work for the enemy or face certain death. Qiang and Biyu scrape through days of factory work and meager food supplies, constantly on the run from newly unfolding dangers until an encounter with the East River Column resistance fighters separates them. The longer these women become embroiled in the brutal occupation that engulfs the region, the more determined they are to fight back--but can they support the resistance and still find their way back to one another?

At once monumental and intimate, When Sleeping Women Wake powerfully explores how ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, and the unwavering hope that love can carry us through even the darkest of times.

Review Quotes

"With vivid historicity and deeply relatable characters, When Sleeping Women Wake is a lushly romantic and impassioned story of women's agency and resilience."--Juhea Kim, internationally bestselling author of Beasts of a Little Land and City of Night Birds

"A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel. . . . an important literary feat from an exciting new voice."--Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, global bestselling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child

"In this gripping tale, a close band of women is scattered by a ruthless occupation, each finding her own path through resilience, cunning, and taking high-risk chances. . . . A riveting, fast-paced read."--Jennifer Ryan, bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Underground Library

"A powerful tribute to the forgotten women and men who fought and resisted the merciless grip of the Japanese forces during a dark period of Hong Kong's history . . . Readers of historical fiction will be swept away by this stunning tale. Emma Pei Yin is a talent to watch!"--Weina Dai Randel, award-winning, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Master Jeweler

"I devoured Emma Pei Yin's heart-rending, transportive, and action-packed When Sleeping Women Wake in a single day. Brimming with intrigue and fascinating history, this sweeping story brings to life beautifully drawn characters and paints a gripping portrait of the strength of women's bonds."--Ashton Lattimore, author of All We Were Promised

"Lingers in the mind long after the final page--an exploration of strength, self-discovery, and the landscapes, both internal and external, that shape us."--Ayesha Inoon, author of Untethered

"When Sleeping Women Wake brings 1940s Hong Kong to life and reminds us that compassion can prevail, even against a ruthless regime."--Jane Yang, author of The Lotus Shoes

"Historical fiction at its finest."--Wiz Wharton, author of Ghost Girl, Banana

"A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel. An important literary feat from an exciting new voice."--Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, internationally bestselling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child

"Yin's debut is a riveting account of the resistance of three very different women during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong--not only against the occupation, but against the traditions that bound them. These are women's stories beautifully intertwined with history brought to life!"--Eve J. Chung, author of Daughters of Shandong

"Epic and moving . . . a gripping piece of historical fiction to add to your bookshelf."--Alli Parker, bestselling author of At the Foot of the Cherry Tree

"Yin's debut is a riveting account of the resistance of three very different women during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong--not only against the occupation, but against the traditions that bound them. These are women's stories beautifully intertwined with history brought to life!"--Eve J. Chung, author of Daughters of Shandong

About the Author

Emma Pei Yin is a UK-born and raised Hong Kong Chinese writer. She writes for publications including Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, HerCanberra, Aniko Press, Hong Kong Review, and Books + Publishing Australia. She resides in Australia with her partner and their extremely barky Dachshund, Lady. When Sleeping Women Wake is her first novel.