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.
Praise
'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
'When Sleeping Women Wake explores the untold histories of women's war experience under Pei Yin's steady hand and refuses to look away from the violence of war. Courage, strength and power bleed from every page, every chapter brims with tension and turmoil as we navigate war-time Hong Kong and wonder if these women will survive, let alone find each other again. A gripping piece of historical fiction to add to your bookshelf' — ALLI PARKER, bestselling author of At The Foot of the Cherry Tree
'A skilfully written epic that sheds light on a little-known corner of history . . . Emma Pei Yin breathes exquisite life into this tale of romance, resistance and self-discovery' — LAUREN CHATER, author of The Lace Weaver
“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 spellbinding tale of transformation, resilience, and the quiet power of awakening . . . When Sleeping Women Wake lingers in the mind long after the final page' — AYESHA INOON, award-winning author of Untethered
'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
'Yin's research is evident —from the historical details to the deeply personal struggles of her characters. It’s not just a story about war; it’s about the women who endured, who fought in their own ways, and who refused to be broken . . . I have no doubt it will top the charts' — DI LEBOWITZ, author of A Hakka Woman
'A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel. An important literary feat from from an exciting new voice. Emma Pei Yin uncovers the hidden history of Hong Kong and lets us befriend the women who have the power to transform us as we witness their journeys of self-discovery and survival' — NGUYỄN PHAN QUẾ MAI, global best-selling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child.
'A breathtaking, important story of family, love and endurance told with unflinching clarity and beauty, this is historical fiction at its finest. I urge you to read this book' — WIZ WHARTON, author of Ghost Girl, Banana
'Compelling, beautiful, and deeply moving, When Sleeping Women Wake is a powerful tribute to the forgotten women and men who fought and resisted during a dark period of Hong Kong's history . . . Emma Pei Yin is a talent to watch!' — WEINA DAI RANDEL, award-winning 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
'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
'All the things I love in a book: strong women, untold history and a rollicking story' —VICTORIA PURMAN, author of The Women's Pages