What do you think?
Rate this book
When Sleeping Women Wake
In this remarkable and harrowing debut novel, three extraordinary women—a mother, her daughter, and their maid—are each forced on a journey to survival during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II.
1941. Following the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, the wealthy Tang family has settled in Hong Kong, believing it to be protected under British occupation. As the First Wife of the family, Mingzhu leads a glamorous, if at times lonely, existence—mothering the son of her husband’s concubine, overseeing her daughter Qiang’s education, and directing their household of servants, including her long-time confidante, Biyu.
But when the Japanese invade Hong Kong, the three women’s paths wildly diverge. Although Mingzhu’s affinity for languages spares her from physical labor, she finds herself coerced to either work for the enemy or face certain death. Qiang and Biyu scrape through days of factory work and meager food supplies, constantly on the run from newly unfolding dangers until an encounter with the East River Column Resistance fighters separates them. The longer these women become embroiled in the brutal occupation that engulfs the region, the more determined they are to resist—but can they support the resistance and still find their way back to each other?
At once monumental and intimate, When Sleeping Women Wake powerfully explores how ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, and the unwavering hope that love can carry us through even the darkest of times.
1941. Following the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, the wealthy Tang family has settled in Hong Kong, believing it to be protected under British occupation. As the First Wife of the family, Mingzhu leads a glamorous, if at times lonely, existence—mothering the son of her husband’s concubine, overseeing her daughter Qiang’s education, and directing their household of servants, including her long-time confidante, Biyu.
But when the Japanese invade Hong Kong, the three women’s paths wildly diverge. Although Mingzhu’s affinity for languages spares her from physical labor, she finds herself coerced to either work for the enemy or face certain death. Qiang and Biyu scrape through days of factory work and meager food supplies, constantly on the run from newly unfolding dangers until an encounter with the East River Column Resistance fighters separates them. The longer these women become embroiled in the brutal occupation that engulfs the region, the more determined they are to resist—but can they support the resistance and still find their way back to each other?
At once monumental and intimate, When Sleeping Women Wake powerfully explores how ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, and the unwavering hope that love can carry us through even the darkest of times.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2025
163 people are currently reading
14171 people want to read
About the author
Emma Pei Yin
1 book92 followersEmma Pei Yin is an Australian-Chinese writer and editor. Her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake, has been published globally, translated into multiple languages and was longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize (2025).
She is also the founder of yinfluence editorial, an agency that works with PoC, queer and neurodivergent writers, connecting them with editors and mentors who understand the stakes of telling stories from the margins.
She has been featured in The Canberra Times, The Australian, Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, The Hong Kong Review, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & more.
Emma is working on her second novel with her extremely barky dachshund, lady, by her side.
She is also the founder of yinfluence editorial, an agency that works with PoC, queer and neurodivergent writers, connecting them with editors and mentors who understand the stakes of telling stories from the margins.
She has been featured in The Canberra Times, The Australian, Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, The Hong Kong Review, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & more.
Emma is working on her second novel with her extremely barky dachshund, lady, by her side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
June 18, 2025
Mingzhu Tang is the First Wife of Wei she’s expected to follow his strict rules and run the household and look after his children and she does this with help from her long time maid and secret friend and confidant Biyu. Mingzhu might be the First Wife, but she failed to give him a son and unlike his concubine and they all live together. Mingzhu has a daughter Qiang and she doesn’t want her to have to put up with the inequality and be forced into an arranged and loveless marriage like she was.
The family have already fled Shanghai, her husband is certain they will be safe in Hong Kong and the Japanese army will be stopped by the British. The Japanese invade easily, with very little warning they arrive, and the women are separated. To survive Mingzhu is as a translator, Qiang and Biyu escape to Sai Kung and work long hours in a uniform factory and Qiang joins the East River Column Resistance, their aims are to ambush and attack the Japanese and some members doubt her ability to do this and fight for the cause.
I received a copy of When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin from Quercus Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and it’s told in five parts and the debut author did extensive reading on the occupation of Hong Kong which took place from 1941 to 1945 and you can tell.
A story about the brutality of war and cruelness of the Japanese army, the atrocities they carried out on Chinese people and especially women, how the Tang family’s money didn’t save them, and they endured years of suffering and hardship, not knowing who they could trust and spies and traitors were everywhere.
For me the friendship, strength and resilience of the women was the three positive aspects of the narrative and this grew at the war dragged on, Mingzhu, Qiang and Biyu were inspirational characters and so were the children or little ghosts who carried messages and helped the resistance.
Five stars from me, not an easy read but an important and well written one and the Japanese were barbaric.
The family have already fled Shanghai, her husband is certain they will be safe in Hong Kong and the Japanese army will be stopped by the British. The Japanese invade easily, with very little warning they arrive, and the women are separated. To survive Mingzhu is as a translator, Qiang and Biyu escape to Sai Kung and work long hours in a uniform factory and Qiang joins the East River Column Resistance, their aims are to ambush and attack the Japanese and some members doubt her ability to do this and fight for the cause.
I received a copy of When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin from Quercus Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and it’s told in five parts and the debut author did extensive reading on the occupation of Hong Kong which took place from 1941 to 1945 and you can tell.
A story about the brutality of war and cruelness of the Japanese army, the atrocities they carried out on Chinese people and especially women, how the Tang family’s money didn’t save them, and they endured years of suffering and hardship, not knowing who they could trust and spies and traitors were everywhere.
For me the friendship, strength and resilience of the women was the three positive aspects of the narrative and this grew at the war dragged on, Mingzhu, Qiang and Biyu were inspirational characters and so were the children or little ghosts who carried messages and helped the resistance.
Five stars from me, not an easy read but an important and well written one and the Japanese were barbaric.
May 7, 2025
4.5 ★
Stunning debut!
This novel follows three extraordinary women during the brutal Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II—Mingzhu, the First Wife of a wealthy family; her strong-willed daughter, Qiang; and their loyal maid, Biyu.
When war descends on their home, their lives are torn apart, each forced down a separate path—yet through fear, violence, and hard choices, they hold on to the hope of finding each other again.
This is a story of resilience, love, and survival. Well written and researched. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, inspiring characters.
Men may have started this war, but let’s ensure that women help to end it.
Stunning debut!
This novel follows three extraordinary women during the brutal Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II—Mingzhu, the First Wife of a wealthy family; her strong-willed daughter, Qiang; and their loyal maid, Biyu.
When war descends on their home, their lives are torn apart, each forced down a separate path—yet through fear, violence, and hard choices, they hold on to the hope of finding each other again.
This is a story of resilience, love, and survival. Well written and researched. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, inspiring characters.
January 7, 2025
I was allowed an advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher and this ended up being the type of historical fiction I enjoy the most.
It follows three women during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during WW2 and the harrowing journeys they endure to be reunited and fight against the oppression they face.
I love historical fiction that focuses on a moment in history that I had never heard of until picking up the book. This book was such a beautifully written story about family, resilience during harrowing times and resistance against oppressive regimes. There were moments where I was angry and moments where my heart became broken. My only criticism is the transition between the present and flashbacks felt super abrupt and I kept getting confused whenever we entered a flashback, which pulled me out of the story.
But overall I am so happy I read this and if you like historical fiction, I definitely think you will enjoy this. If you’re interested in giving this a read, the book comes out June 17th of this year.
It follows three women during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during WW2 and the harrowing journeys they endure to be reunited and fight against the oppression they face.
I love historical fiction that focuses on a moment in history that I had never heard of until picking up the book. This book was such a beautifully written story about family, resilience during harrowing times and resistance against oppressive regimes. There were moments where I was angry and moments where my heart became broken. My only criticism is the transition between the present and flashbacks felt super abrupt and I kept getting confused whenever we entered a flashback, which pulled me out of the story.
But overall I am so happy I read this and if you like historical fiction, I definitely think you will enjoy this. If you’re interested in giving this a read, the book comes out June 17th of this year.
August 4, 2025
Promise a better review once I'm recovered from this illness.
did-not-finish
May 21, 2025DNF @ 30%
I don't think this is really my genre.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this arc.
I don't think this is really my genre.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this arc.
July 28, 2025
When Sleeping Women Wake
by Emma Pei Yin kept me up all one night. . .I had to find out how it all sorted out. In the beginning it was hard because of the terrible things the Japanese army imposed on the Chinese communities they invaded. . .so I had to take it in pieces. I'd become very invested in three Tang family members who had been forced from Shanghai: the mother - Mingzhu, the daughter - Qiang, and their faithful servant - Biyu. It is 1941, and they find themselves in Hong Kong, and forced to submit to the soldiers in so-called comfort stations, or if beauty or skillset supported other roles or the whims of those in authority, it was to that their bondage was tied.
When Sleeping Women Wake, Mountains Move.
- Chinese Proverb
The title comes from a proverb claimed by many cultures, but for the purposes of this book, the provenance claimed goes to China. These three women, along with the resistance of communities and self-selected fighters (all ages, both women and men) who fill all the aspects of resistance, show the single-minded focus, resilience and sacrifice when the shadow of war and terrorism overlays their beloved Hong Kong. These people are wide awake and moving their mountains, no matter the cost. That these fictional happenings are based on non-fictional events engaged me even further - I'm thinking about it still, weeks after having finished the read, and am ready to re-read.
The author mentions many books (including ancient ones!) that inspired these women, and her Historical Note at the end of the read generously lists them for those who want to pursue further research.
Emma Pei Yin's telling of this tale swept me away about 33% in, and I finished at dawn. . .like a waterslide that ended in a jump. . .and I'm still in the jump re-reading the end. It's open-ended, but I know - KNOW - how it ends. . .
This is the author's first book, and I'm looking forward to her future work. All the stars.
*A sincere thank you to Emma Pei Yin, Random House Publishing Group - Ballatine, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #WhenSleepingWomenWake #NetGalley 25|52:36b
When Sleeping Women Wake, Mountains Move.
- Chinese Proverb
The title comes from a proverb claimed by many cultures, but for the purposes of this book, the provenance claimed goes to China. These three women, along with the resistance of communities and self-selected fighters (all ages, both women and men) who fill all the aspects of resistance, show the single-minded focus, resilience and sacrifice when the shadow of war and terrorism overlays their beloved Hong Kong. These people are wide awake and moving their mountains, no matter the cost. That these fictional happenings are based on non-fictional events engaged me even further - I'm thinking about it still, weeks after having finished the read, and am ready to re-read.
The author mentions many books (including ancient ones!) that inspired these women, and her Historical Note at the end of the read generously lists them for those who want to pursue further research.
Emma Pei Yin's telling of this tale swept me away about 33% in, and I finished at dawn. . .like a waterslide that ended in a jump. . .and I'm still in the jump re-reading the end. It's open-ended, but I know - KNOW - how it ends. . .
This is the author's first book, and I'm looking forward to her future work. All the stars.
*A sincere thank you to Emma Pei Yin, Random House Publishing Group - Ballatine, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #WhenSleepingWomenWake #NetGalley 25|52:36b
July 28, 2025
This was... fine? This book follows three women: a mother, a daughter, and a "long-time confidante" (she works for the mother) throughout the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. I picked this book up because I knew little to nothing about that occupation, and I have wanted to learn more about what occurred on the Eastern half of the globe during the War. While I know you're not supposed to pick up a fiction novel to learn about a historical event, I still expected something. This occupation felt generic, and I didn't really feel like it was any different than any other book I've read involving an occupation of some kind. The author didn't do as much writing about what the occupation was like and the politics that lead to the occupation -- I read a lot of fantasy so my mind goes to "lack of worldbuilding" but obviously that doesn't apply in historical fiction. There was just so little that made me feel like I was in Hong Kong and not [other city that has been occupied at some point].
The story of the women themselves were bland as well, and I didn't really feel like there was much there. This definitely falls more on the side of "women's fiction" than historical fiction, and that just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story of the women themselves were bland as well, and I didn't really feel like there was much there. This definitely falls more on the side of "women's fiction" than historical fiction, and that just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2025
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
While the premise sounds exciting, the story progression is relatively slow-moving. It took days to feel like I was making any progress while reading.
While the premise sounds exciting, the story progression is relatively slow-moving. It took days to feel like I was making any progress while reading.
December 23, 2024
When Sleeping Women Wake is a heartbreaking and yet hopeful tale of the brutal Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II, a time period and place I know little about despite knowing a lot about WWII. It resonates painfully today with echoes of the Chinese occupation of Hong Kong.
Telling of the Japanese occupation through the eyes of three very different women, the story rotates from the points of view of Mingzhu, a woman born into an elite family from the Qing dynasty trapped in a loveless marriage with an abusive, wealthy man; Qiang, her headstrong daughter; and Biyu, their servant, who has been like a sister to Qiang.
The three women think nothing could be worse than the opulent, yet comparatively innocent oppression of the Tang household, where Minghzu competes with her husband's haughty concubine and engages in an emotional affair with Qiang's English tutor, Henry, a tender and yet tragically timed romance that blooms between a shared love of literature and poetry, only to be had in stolen glances, lunches of Chinese brisket and mysterious love letters.
I loved the love story between Minghzu and Henry, even if I hated how it ended. She finally knew requited love that she chose, even if it could never truly be hers.
Then this fragile equilibrium is shattered when the Japanese invade and the family is separated. Qiang and Biyu are forced to do factory labor until Qiang escapes and joins the resistance, leaving behind her privileged background as the "Young Miss" of a wealthy household to become a fearsome fighter and leader, with a sad love story of her own with a half-Japanese soldier and resistance fighter. Minghzu, meanwhile, is enlisted to be a translator for the Japanese due to her facility with language, but finds her own way to fight back.
Sometimes the prose could get stilted or formal to read in parts, and there was a little more telling than showing for my taste, but I found it fairly immersive in the war experience and the resilience of the resistance fighters from a woman's perspective, at a time when women's roles were changing. It focused a lot more on women finding their agency in their relationships and families than their careers and fighting back than I was expecting, but that was very realistic for the time period.
I really enjoyed this book overall and found the character development to be strong and compelling as I followed their journey to freedom against all odds. I also liked reading fiction about this time and place in history. It reminded me a little of Pachinko, despite the latter being set in Korea. That story also focuses on women and their relationships under oppressive Japanese occupation.
This is a very strong debut and it packed an emotional punch and maintained a gripping pace throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Telling of the Japanese occupation through the eyes of three very different women, the story rotates from the points of view of Mingzhu, a woman born into an elite family from the Qing dynasty trapped in a loveless marriage with an abusive, wealthy man; Qiang, her headstrong daughter; and Biyu, their servant, who has been like a sister to Qiang.
The three women think nothing could be worse than the opulent, yet comparatively innocent oppression of the Tang household, where Minghzu competes with her husband's haughty concubine and engages in an emotional affair with Qiang's English tutor, Henry, a tender and yet tragically timed romance that blooms between a shared love of literature and poetry, only to be had in stolen glances, lunches of Chinese brisket and mysterious love letters.
I loved the love story between Minghzu and Henry, even if I hated how it ended. She finally knew requited love that she chose, even if it could never truly be hers.
Then this fragile equilibrium is shattered when the Japanese invade and the family is separated. Qiang and Biyu are forced to do factory labor until Qiang escapes and joins the resistance, leaving behind her privileged background as the "Young Miss" of a wealthy household to become a fearsome fighter and leader, with a sad love story of her own with a half-Japanese soldier and resistance fighter. Minghzu, meanwhile, is enlisted to be a translator for the Japanese due to her facility with language, but finds her own way to fight back.
Sometimes the prose could get stilted or formal to read in parts, and there was a little more telling than showing for my taste, but I found it fairly immersive in the war experience and the resilience of the resistance fighters from a woman's perspective, at a time when women's roles were changing. It focused a lot more on women finding their agency in their relationships and families than their careers and fighting back than I was expecting, but that was very realistic for the time period.
I really enjoyed this book overall and found the character development to be strong and compelling as I followed their journey to freedom against all odds. I also liked reading fiction about this time and place in history. It reminded me a little of Pachinko, despite the latter being set in Korea. That story also focuses on women and their relationships under oppressive Japanese occupation.
This is a very strong debut and it packed an emotional punch and maintained a gripping pace throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
five stars no notes except duck 🦆 mediocre men ;)
September 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 3, 2025
So well crafted and told - I loved both the history and the characters. The fact that the book took two downplayed and marginalized groups during WW2 - women fighting in resistance and the Chinese resistance fighters in general in Hong Kong - just made it that much better.
There are more and more books finally being written about the Pacific during WW2 in various countries, and of course, add to that how the Japanese had invaded and oppressed China long before that. The brutality of the Japanese during the time is truly horrific and the book showed that well, while also keeping the graphic nature of it to a minimum.
I loved Mingzhu, Qiang, and Biyu as extraordinary female characters. They each displayed different qualities and their friendships with each other and this around them made their strengths and character development even better.
Really enjoyed the book and highly recommend both for the history, to know how commendable and instrumental the Chinese people were in liberating their own country, and as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of women.
Also, I love anytime the Japanese kintsugi is introduced in a book. Love the practice and art form for so many reasons.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
There are more and more books finally being written about the Pacific during WW2 in various countries, and of course, add to that how the Japanese had invaded and oppressed China long before that. The brutality of the Japanese during the time is truly horrific and the book showed that well, while also keeping the graphic nature of it to a minimum.
I loved Mingzhu, Qiang, and Biyu as extraordinary female characters. They each displayed different qualities and their friendships with each other and this around them made their strengths and character development even better.
Really enjoyed the book and highly recommend both for the history, to know how commendable and instrumental the Chinese people were in liberating their own country, and as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of women.
Also, I love anytime the Japanese kintsugi is introduced in a book. Love the practice and art form for so many reasons.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
August 22, 2025
IG review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNqGTlUt5...
This year has been slim on the 5 star reads aaaand THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTE 5 STAR BOOK!!
I tend to stray away from WW2 stories I’ve read so many, but this novel felt like a story I hadn’t read before. The Tang family has already fled Shanghai from Japanese occupation and believe Hong Kong to be safe under British occupation. Sadly that is far from the truth. Set in 1941, we follow three women, Mingzhu, her daughter Qiang and her servant/friend Biyu as they are taken and find themselves fighting not just for their freedom but for their country and future hope of reuniting with easier.
Ahh I just adored this story. It was high on action and narrative but also centered the women so well and showcased the power of fighting, resisting and hoping in your own individual way. Each women has a different journey but in a world where women have such little agency, “Men may have started this war, but let's ensure that women help to end it.”
“When sleeping women wake mountains move.”- Chinese proverb
When I read a historical fiction during wartime about THE WOMEN, this is what I want!!😉😆
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the egalley!!
This year has been slim on the 5 star reads aaaand THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTE 5 STAR BOOK!!
I tend to stray away from WW2 stories I’ve read so many, but this novel felt like a story I hadn’t read before. The Tang family has already fled Shanghai from Japanese occupation and believe Hong Kong to be safe under British occupation. Sadly that is far from the truth. Set in 1941, we follow three women, Mingzhu, her daughter Qiang and her servant/friend Biyu as they are taken and find themselves fighting not just for their freedom but for their country and future hope of reuniting with easier.
Ahh I just adored this story. It was high on action and narrative but also centered the women so well and showcased the power of fighting, resisting and hoping in your own individual way. Each women has a different journey but in a world where women have such little agency, “Men may have started this war, but let's ensure that women help to end it.”
“When sleeping women wake mountains move.”- Chinese proverb
When I read a historical fiction during wartime about THE WOMEN, this is what I want!!😉😆
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the egalley!!
March 30, 2025
Beautiful. Powerful. Heartbreaking.
My only issue with this book is that there isn’t more of it.
“One day, when I become the person I am meant to be, I will find you again”
Mingzhu, her loyal maid Biyu and her daughter Qiang are Chinese residents of Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The women are separated in the occupation and must find their way back to each other as well as survive.
This book was so powerful. I laughed, I cried (a lot) and highlighted many beautiful quotes. This story taught me so much about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II as well as what life was like there during that time. The strength and resilience of women in this time impressed me so much. What impressed me most of all was the writing the beautiful descriptions of the land and of people and their interactions with each other. Mingzhu, Qiang and Biyu are very strong women and I found them very inspirational. My only issue with this book is that I wish there was more of it. Even at only 20% through the book I was stressing about it ending too quickly. I loved hearing the story of these women and I would read another book about them.
Themes of invasion, occupation, war, resistance, gender equality, love, friendship.
Thank you Quercus Books for providing this advanced reader copy for review. When Sleeping Women Wake is expected for release in June 2025.
Thank you Emma Pei Yin for writing such a beautiful book.
My only issue with this book is that there isn’t more of it.
“One day, when I become the person I am meant to be, I will find you again”
Mingzhu, her loyal maid Biyu and her daughter Qiang are Chinese residents of Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The women are separated in the occupation and must find their way back to each other as well as survive.
This book was so powerful. I laughed, I cried (a lot) and highlighted many beautiful quotes. This story taught me so much about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II as well as what life was like there during that time. The strength and resilience of women in this time impressed me so much. What impressed me most of all was the writing the beautiful descriptions of the land and of people and their interactions with each other. Mingzhu, Qiang and Biyu are very strong women and I found them very inspirational. My only issue with this book is that I wish there was more of it. Even at only 20% through the book I was stressing about it ending too quickly. I loved hearing the story of these women and I would read another book about them.
Themes of invasion, occupation, war, resistance, gender equality, love, friendship.
Thank you Quercus Books for providing this advanced reader copy for review. When Sleeping Women Wake is expected for release in June 2025.
Thank you Emma Pei Yin for writing such a beautiful book.
March 30, 2025
Gripping, heart shattering, inspiring and insightful. There are so many words going through my head right now thank cant even pick. When Sleeping Women Wake has been my best read so far this year. We see the journey of three women with vastly different roles and one connection, love. Each woman must navigate a Japanese controlled China during World War 2. I have not learned much about the point of view of the Chinese through WW2 and this provided so much information. This tops The Nightingale by far. I want to read it again and recommend it to all who love historical fiction.
May 7, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of “When Sleeping Women Wake” from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thought this was a beautiful story. I love historical fiction, especially when I learn something. This story took place during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and I knew nothing about that time. I also appreciated the women in this story: Mingzhu, her maid Biyu, and Mingzhu’s daughter, Qiang. Their stories separate with the Japanese occupation but each rise to the occasion and display their bravery. It was a story that pulled me in and made me want to keep reading.
I thought this was a beautiful story. I love historical fiction, especially when I learn something. This story took place during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and I knew nothing about that time. I also appreciated the women in this story: Mingzhu, her maid Biyu, and Mingzhu’s daughter, Qiang. Their stories separate with the Japanese occupation but each rise to the occasion and display their bravery. It was a story that pulled me in and made me want to keep reading.
July 28, 2025
I'm not crying, you're crying.
June 25, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Sleeping Women Wake
Author: Emma Pei Yin
Grateful every day for my buddy reads with Vee and for her introducing me to amazing books I would not normally read on my own! This book was incredible. Three women make their way during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. A mother, her daughter, and their maid are torn apart one fateful night, and we watch their stories unfold and get each of their POVs. It’s beautiful how their journeys are all far apart, but still woven together. The end was gut wrenching, yet beautiful at the same time. The strength of these women, and each of their individual impacts on the war was inspiring. I loved how the author used real people, events, and places in this book. I highly recommend reading the acknowledgments at the end. An amazing historical fiction read. Thank you Random House Publishing and Netgalley for my ARC!
When Sleeping Women Wake
Author: Emma Pei Yin
Grateful every day for my buddy reads with Vee and for her introducing me to amazing books I would not normally read on my own! This book was incredible. Three women make their way during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. A mother, her daughter, and their maid are torn apart one fateful night, and we watch their stories unfold and get each of their POVs. It’s beautiful how their journeys are all far apart, but still woven together. The end was gut wrenching, yet beautiful at the same time. The strength of these women, and each of their individual impacts on the war was inspiring. I loved how the author used real people, events, and places in this book. I highly recommend reading the acknowledgments at the end. An amazing historical fiction read. Thank you Random House Publishing and Netgalley for my ARC!
July 27, 2025
Beautifully written debut novel. Three amazingly strong women kept my interest throughout the novel...
November 10, 2025
no notes!
will leave my thoughts when my feelings are objective and my eyes less swollen.
will leave my thoughts when my feelings are objective and my eyes less swollen.
July 29, 2025
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!
July 22, 2025
3.5 stars
When the Japanese invade Hong Kong, three women find themselves struggling to survive and find their way back to each other.
I'm not sure how else to describe this book. Minghzu was by far the most compelling character in this story - she's resilient, intelligent, courageous, all of the synonyms you can think of. Her maid, Biyu, and her daughter, Qiang, are just as much, but the author has definitely breathed more life into her than any of the other characters.
Overall, this was a good read. I struggled a bit with the writing style which fell flat at some points, but I still felt reluctant to put the book down. I felt that there was a certain depth missing with the storytelling, the time jumps kept coming as a surprise and some of the character choices also made me scratch my head. I was, however, very impressed with the authors ability to keep the story flowing despite the wandering perspectives and settings - it never felt fragmented. My biggest criticism, is the romance aspects of this book - I was very convinced by Minghzu's connection with Henry, but I'm not sure that the other plot lines were necessary or deserved so much space in the book and they felt very forced. Criticisms aside, I am looking forward to how this author grows, and I think she has some unique stories to tell.
When the Japanese invade Hong Kong, three women find themselves struggling to survive and find their way back to each other.
I'm not sure how else to describe this book. Minghzu was by far the most compelling character in this story - she's resilient, intelligent, courageous, all of the synonyms you can think of. Her maid, Biyu, and her daughter, Qiang, are just as much, but the author has definitely breathed more life into her than any of the other characters.
Overall, this was a good read. I struggled a bit with the writing style which fell flat at some points, but I still felt reluctant to put the book down. I felt that there was a certain depth missing with the storytelling, the time jumps kept coming as a surprise and some of the character choices also made me scratch my head. I was, however, very impressed with the authors ability to keep the story flowing despite the wandering perspectives and settings - it never felt fragmented. My biggest criticism, is the romance aspects of this book - I was very convinced by Minghzu's connection with Henry, but I'm not sure that the other plot lines were necessary or deserved so much space in the book and they felt very forced. Criticisms aside, I am looking forward to how this author grows, and I think she has some unique stories to tell.
December 16, 2025
This book so INCREDIBLE! This will be my favorite book of the year for sure. A WW2 novel set in Hong Kong featuring women in the resistance? Immediate YES. 🙌
Highly recommend for fans of Kristen Hannah and Kate Quinn. This story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Highly recommend for fans of Kristen Hannah and Kate Quinn. This story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
August 4, 2025
An historical fiction story about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and it horrific effects on the Chinese who lived there. The brutality of the soldiers is difficult to read but important to know about.
It was interesting but did more "telling" than "showing"
It was interesting but did more "telling" than "showing"
October 1, 2025
5 massive stars!!! 😭😭😭 This has got to be one of the BEST historical fiction novels I have ever read (and it's a debut). 👏 I have thought of nothing else but this story since finishing it last night. 💔😭 Whew! I love books that teach me about a historical event I hadn't heard about before. I recommended it to everyone who saw me reading it this week.
This is the story of three amazing, resilient women - a mother (Mingzhu), her daughter (Qiang) and their maid (Biyu). When the Japanese invade Hong Kong in World War II, the women are separated and forced to do what they need to survive.
Mingzhu with her gift for languages is forced to work for the Japanese. Qiang and Biyu work in the factory and live off dwindling food supplies until they are separated by an encounter with the East Column Resistance.
This book is packed with non-stop action. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was so invested in the journey of these three women during the war. I was blown away by their courage, strength and resilience. 👏
My heart broke over and over again. So much loss. So much devastation. But there was love, friendship and hope. I cried for these characters several times. I truly felt like I knew them. Loved the side characters - Henry, Ah-Long, Hao, Sook Ping, Brother Wu, Sato, Mr. Gok 😭, Hiroshi. *sigh*
I was so sad when I turned the final page. A truly beautiful, emotional and inspiring reading experience. Highly, highly recommend! 👌
Thanks for the recommendation, Kenz! 👯♀️
This is the story of three amazing, resilient women - a mother (Mingzhu), her daughter (Qiang) and their maid (Biyu). When the Japanese invade Hong Kong in World War II, the women are separated and forced to do what they need to survive.
Mingzhu with her gift for languages is forced to work for the Japanese. Qiang and Biyu work in the factory and live off dwindling food supplies until they are separated by an encounter with the East Column Resistance.
This book is packed with non-stop action. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was so invested in the journey of these three women during the war. I was blown away by their courage, strength and resilience. 👏
My heart broke over and over again. So much loss. So much devastation. But there was love, friendship and hope. I cried for these characters several times. I truly felt like I knew them. Loved the side characters - Henry, Ah-Long, Hao, Sook Ping, Brother Wu, Sato, Mr. Gok 😭, Hiroshi. *sigh*
I was so sad when I turned the final page. A truly beautiful, emotional and inspiring reading experience. Highly, highly recommend! 👌
Thanks for the recommendation, Kenz! 👯♀️
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
I liked Mingzhu’s storyline the most out of the three point of views. The strength that she showed through all the terrifying situations was incredible.
I also liked her romance with Henry!
I don’t think that Biyu’s point of view was needed in this book. It detracted from what I considered to be the main storylines.
I liked Mingzhu’s storyline the most out of the three point of views. The strength that she showed through all the terrifying situations was incredible.
I also liked her romance with Henry!
I don’t think that Biyu’s point of view was needed in this book. It detracted from what I considered to be the main storylines.
September 19, 2025
4.5⭐
the first ever book that had me cover the page with my hand, because my eyes were out of control, moving too fast trying to take everything in, as soon as possible.
full rtc
the first ever book that had me cover the page with my hand, because my eyes were out of control, moving too fast trying to take everything in, as soon as possible.
full rtc
September 27, 2025
Controversial opinion in book club
Read
October 30, 2025Some fairly weird undercurrents in the beginning section that might iron out if I were to keep reading (hence no rating for fairness), but there are many other books to get to, and I'm no spring chicken. I will lean into my boomer-ness and offer unsolicited advice to the author for the next novel - seek out some decolonialist writings to expand perspective, or barring that, just read Eileen Chang (whom you're clearly a fan of, given your excerpt of her work) closer, note how she gave characters in her stories heft and a reason for being, not just the ones she needed us to like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews