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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
Another heartbreaking and heartwarming story about survival during WWII. This story follows women who are captured and held in POW camps run by the Japanese. It was amazing to see how these women supported each other to keep their spirits up and survive all of the horrors.
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a powerful book. There are so many heroic people with powerful stories that I never dreamed existed and I love learning about these small pieces of history.
With WWII in abundance, I need a different part of the war showcased to compel me to pick up the book. And this one delivered. A group of women in a Japanese POW camp that gather and sing to help everyone endure the nightmare they are living. With dire conditions, connecting and having something enjoyable helped spark some hope and happiness.
Such a heartfelt tale that had me tearful so many times as I read. I connected with the characters and their hardships.
Such a heartfelt tale that had me tearful so many times as I read. I connected with the characters and their hardships.
And if the story of women using friendship to survive wasn’t enough, the author’s notes and acknowledgements brought even more to her words. I appreciate the research she did and that she based on real world people that lived through this nightmare.
Quick and Dirty
-WWII historical fiction
-POW camp story
-strong female friendships
-highly character-driven
Thoughts
I’ve only read one of Heather Morris’ novels, but I did enjoy that one, so I went into this with high hopes. And while it was a well-written book, it didn’t really work for me. What I enjoyed: the overall plot/premise of the book was compelling, but it felt like it had been done before. I kept getting confused about what I’d read in this book vs another very similar novel. Friendships were a big part of this book, some of which infused the story with hope despite the bleak feeling of the book at times. Hunger, disease, and death are common themes throughout the story, making it feel like torture porn which I don’t particularly enjoy. The main difference between this one book vs other internment novels I’ve read was the choir, which I’ll be honest, was not of any interest to me. Who might enjoy this? Anyone who loves character-driven stories with a strong focus on female friendships, hardships, and loss, and the power of music may enjoy this one.
-WWII historical fiction
-POW camp story
-strong female friendships
-highly character-driven
Thoughts
I’ve only read one of Heather Morris’ novels, but I did enjoy that one, so I went into this with high hopes. And while it was a well-written book, it didn’t really work for me. What I enjoyed: the overall plot/premise of the book was compelling, but it felt like it had been done before. I kept getting confused about what I’d read in this book vs another very similar novel. Friendships were a big part of this book, some of which infused the story with hope despite the bleak feeling of the book at times. Hunger, disease, and death are common themes throughout the story, making it feel like torture porn which I don’t particularly enjoy. The main difference between this one book vs other internment novels I’ve read was the choir, which I’ll be honest, was not of any interest to me. Who might enjoy this? Anyone who loves character-driven stories with a strong focus on female friendships, hardships, and loss, and the power of music may enjoy this one.
I love all the other books this author has written but this one I just didn’t connect with. There were too many characters which made me not get into the emotions of each. I was quite bore throughout this book and couldn’t wait to be done with it. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read it before the release.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have read many World War II books. Still, this book was my first about how the Imperial Japanese captured a group of Australian women in 1942 and held them in brutal conditions in a camp in the Indonesian jungle. This book follows Norah Chambers, Nesta James, and fellow women prisoners of the Japanese imperial camps. I loved that Norah uplifted the women’s spirits by creating a sense of belonging and community through music. I also loved how dedicated and determined Nesta was to provide medical care for those in the camps. These women were resilient and could give each other a sense of community and belonging despite their brutal conditions. Morris gave the group of women a voice that not many authors would have written about, which made the book more interesting.
I had no idea what to expect going into Sisters Of The Rising Sun, but this story was an absolute masterpiece. I listened to the audiobook within two days, and I am still recovering from walking in the women’s journey. The audiobook was great to listen to, and Laura Carmichael did an excellent job as the narrator. The Sydney Women’s Vocal Orchestra added a special touch to the musical aspect of the story.
Thank to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for giving me a copy of the audiobook.
I had no idea what to expect going into Sisters Of The Rising Sun, but this story was an absolute masterpiece. I listened to the audiobook within two days, and I am still recovering from walking in the women’s journey. The audiobook was great to listen to, and Laura Carmichael did an excellent job as the narrator. The Sydney Women’s Vocal Orchestra added a special touch to the musical aspect of the story.
Thank to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for giving me a copy of the audiobook.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Synopsis: This heart wrenching tale of survival and the resilience of women follows Norah, an English musician, Nesta, an Australian nurse, as they are trapped in a Japanese POW camp during WWII. After their merchant ship feeling occupied Singapore is bombarded off the coast of Indonesia, the women are carted off to a remote camp where they are faced with horrific conditions. They must rely on each other to survive to the end of the war.
Thoughts: If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will like this one! Heather Morris knows how to write about suffering and resilience in the midst of horrific situations. This book will leave you heartbroken yet hopeful. I really enjoyed the multitude of strong women and their reliance upon one another for survival and hope. The theme of music bringing people together and was central to this story as well. I recommend reading the authors note at the end as well, as she discusses the real life women she based this story on. A note on the audio - listening to this book is the way to go because there is a lot of music included that is really well done!
Read this if you like:
J• historical fiction
I WWii fiction
a the power of music .. strong female characters
Thoughts: If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will like this one! Heather Morris knows how to write about suffering and resilience in the midst of horrific situations. This book will leave you heartbroken yet hopeful. I really enjoyed the multitude of strong women and their reliance upon one another for survival and hope. The theme of music bringing people together and was central to this story as well. I recommend reading the authors note at the end as well, as she discusses the real life women she based this story on. A note on the audio - listening to this book is the way to go because there is a lot of music included that is really well done!
Read this if you like:
J• historical fiction
I WWii fiction
a the power of music .. strong female characters