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A review by clairebartholomew549
When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
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
4.0
This book had me in its grip right away and didn’t let go. Coincidentally, I’ve read several books recently about World War II in Asia, and I’m learning a lot and really enjoying it. This book specifically is about the Japanese occupation in Hong Kong and a mother, daughter, and maid who are separated by the occupation and endure unimaginable hardship.
Mingzhu is married to a wealthy man who ignores and disrespects her in favor of his concubine, so she dotes on her teenage daughter Qiang and spends time with her maid Biyu, who over the years has become like family to her. Mingzhu's family had to flee Shanghai due to the Japanese invasion only a few years ago, but Mingzhu’s husband is adamant that the British will protect them in Hong Kong, so they do not make any preparations or contingency plans. When the Japanese occupy Hong Kong, Mingzhu is forced to become a translator for the Imperial Army, while Qiang and Biyu get low-paying factory jobs. The three women must somehow navigate the new and frightening world, all while trying to make their way back together.
I found this very affecting and interesting. Following each character allowed me to see different facets of life in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, and the writing is gorgeous and evocative. At its core, this is a story about unbreakable bonds and how people survive extremely horrific circumstances. At times the story is definitely heavy (hard to avoid when it concerns a violent occupation), but it's always anchored by the women's indomitable strength and perseverance, and I didn't feel as weighed down by the traumas as I expected I would. This is a beautiful book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!
Mingzhu is married to a wealthy man who ignores and disrespects her in favor of his concubine, so she dotes on her teenage daughter Qiang and spends time with her maid Biyu, who over the years has become like family to her. Mingzhu's family had to flee Shanghai due to the Japanese invasion only a few years ago, but Mingzhu’s husband is adamant that the British will protect them in Hong Kong, so they do not make any preparations or contingency plans. When the Japanese occupy Hong Kong, Mingzhu is forced to become a translator for the Imperial Army, while Qiang and Biyu get low-paying factory jobs. The three women must somehow navigate the new and frightening world, all while trying to make their way back together.
I found this very affecting and interesting. Following each character allowed me to see different facets of life in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, and the writing is gorgeous and evocative. At its core, this is a story about unbreakable bonds and how people survive extremely horrific circumstances. At times the story is definitely heavy (hard to avoid when it concerns a violent occupation), but it's always anchored by the women's indomitable strength and perseverance, and I didn't feel as weighed down by the traumas as I expected I would. This is a beautiful book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage, Rape, Torture