READ & REVIEWED: When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin + Giveaway

Set during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the 1940s, When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin is a moving story about courage, love, family bonds and women reclaiming agency over their lives.

“Men may have started this war, but let’s ensure that women help to end it.”

Set during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the 1940s, this novel follows Mingzhu and her family, who fled Shanghai to escape the war. Mingzhu’s life is far from happy—her husband is distant and sides with his concubine—but she finds strength in her bond with Biyu, her maid who’s been like a sister since childhood, and Qiang, her spirited teenage daughter. When the Japanese invade Hong Kong, Mingzhu is torn apart from Qiang and Biyu, and they each must rely on courage, wit and determination to survive while holding onto the hope that they’ll one day be reunited.

I’ve always loved Asian historical fiction, especially stories with strong female leads, and this is definitely one of them. Told through the perspectives of the three women, the story underscores different shades of resilience, and how they fight to reclaim agency over their lives. Mingzhu raises Qiang to know her worth, and during their separation, fights for her own freedom and happiness. Qiang joins the resistance and transforms from a sheltered girl into a fighter. Biyu’s storyline feels a little less gripping, but she still finds her own way to rebel against the occupiers.

I’m more familiar with the history of Japanese occupation in Southeast Asia, but I found the Hong Kong setting relatable and easy to connect with. The brutality of war is universal, and the author clearly did her research to capture the atmosphere and struggles of the time. This page-turner keeps you invested in the fate of its protagonists, while delivering a moving story about courage, love, family bonds and the unbreakable will to survive.

Thank you, Pick A Book Asia @pickab00kasia , for sending me this newly released adult fiction. When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin can be purchased from their Shopee store at https://s.shopee.sg/14CKyQxdz . Thanks to Pick A Book Asia, we have a copy to give away to our followers - do head over to my Instagram post for a chance to win!

Disclaimer: The book was provided by Pick A Book Asia for our review. As always, all opinions are ours.

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