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A review by ebfswim
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
3.0
I was interested in this book because I was not familiar with Japan's involvement with POW camps in the Pacific.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun took place in Singapore and Banka Island near Indonesia from 1942 through 1945. Australian Army Nursing Service, along with English and Dutch civilians flee on one of the last boats as they evacuate Singapore in 1942. When their boat is bombed, they are stranded in the sea, and later make it to Banka Island. The author describes the gruesome details of their captivity under the Japanese but also showcases the courage and strength the women embodied over the 3+ years they were imprisoned. In spite of the horrific circumstances, women formed strong friendships and frequently made severe personal sacrifices on behalf of the group. Additional themes in the book include: bravery; resilience; friendship; family; music and compassion.
The author did outstanding research for the book and at the end, describes how some of the main characters lived following the war. What I found frustrating were the large number of female characters, which were hard to keep track of. I also found much of the dialogue elementary in nature and somewhat unrealistic. At times, the language was so basic, it felt like I was reading a child’s primer.
I've read other reviewers comment that the audiobook version of this book was good with recordings of the music (performed by Norah and her inmates) mesmerizing.
I appreciate and value the historical nature of this book, but did not care for the writing.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun took place in Singapore and Banka Island near Indonesia from 1942 through 1945. Australian Army Nursing Service, along with English and Dutch civilians flee on one of the last boats as they evacuate Singapore in 1942. When their boat is bombed, they are stranded in the sea, and later make it to Banka Island. The author describes the gruesome details of their captivity under the Japanese but also showcases the courage and strength the women embodied over the 3+ years they were imprisoned. In spite of the horrific circumstances, women formed strong friendships and frequently made severe personal sacrifices on behalf of the group. Additional themes in the book include: bravery; resilience; friendship; family; music and compassion.
The author did outstanding research for the book and at the end, describes how some of the main characters lived following the war. What I found frustrating were the large number of female characters, which were hard to keep track of. I also found much of the dialogue elementary in nature and somewhat unrealistic. At times, the language was so basic, it felt like I was reading a child’s primer.
I've read other reviewers comment that the audiobook version of this book was good with recordings of the music (performed by Norah and her inmates) mesmerizing.
I appreciate and value the historical nature of this book, but did not care for the writing.