Well, it's historical fiction with a tiny bit of romance and courageous, fearless women characters, all in one pack!
The story sets during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, which lasted for almost four years, and truly, this is the first time I read about this history, and I'm glad I picked this book. You'll follow the journey of three extraordinary women, Mingzhu, the first wife of the wealthy family; Qiang - her fearless daughter, and Biyu, her loyal, kind-hearted maid.
The brutal Japan occupation unfortunately set them apart, but each has a strong fighting spirit for freedom, resilience, and hope that they'll reunite again.
Several characters in this book are inspired by real people, so don't skip the historical note at the end of the book.
It's so cute also that Emma included Lady, her mini dachshund in her acknowledgement page

Beautifully written historical fiction, that takes place between 1941 and 1945, during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II.

The story is told from three perspectives from within the Tang family – Mingzhu the First Wife, Qiang her teenage daughter and Biyu the long-time confidante and helper. The wealthy Tang family relocates from Shanghai to Hong Kong, believing that it is protected under British occupation. However, when the Japanese invade Hong Kong the paths of Mingzhu, Qiang and Biyu diverge significantly.

I was immersed in the story as the each of these characters demonstrate their resilience, as well as their quiet resistance and rebellion, in big and small ways. This story explores colonialism and the sociocultural nuances of the time through well-researched storytelling.

I am very impressed that this is a debut novel. I would love to read what Emma Pei Yin writes into the future.

EXCERPT: 'As I said, Mr Nakamura,' I have seen many broken things.'
'I believe you.'
'And so you should. I may not care so much for a broken vase or a broken chair. But I do care for the broken families, homes and land your Imperial Army has so ruthlessly stripped from my people. So, tell me, Mr Nakamura, are those things lacquer mixed with gold can fix?'
Hiroshi blinked, as if taken aback by her sudden outburst. Even she didn't know quite where to look after her heated words. What had got into her? Where did such boldness to speak to a Japanese stranger like this come from?

ABOUT 'WHEN SLEEPING WOMEN WAKE': Hong Kong, 1941. Following the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, the wealthy Tang family flee to Hong Kong.

As the First Wife of the family, Mingzhu leads a sheltered - if lonely - existence overseeing her daughter Qiang and managing the household alongside her devoted maid, Biyu.

But when the Japanese army invade, the three women are scattered. Mingzhu is coerced into working for a Japanese captain. Qiang and Biyu escape the island, only to be forced into factory work then separated after an encounter with the East River Column Resistance fighters.

The longer the brutal occupation lasts, the more determined the women are to resist. And as war rages around the world, each is holding onto the hope that the other is alive.

MY THOUGHTS: A sweeping story of family, love, resilience and survival.

The beauty of Emma Pei Yin's writing belies the brutality, fear, violence and atrocities of war that she writes about. Impeccably researched, Pei Yin has infused her story of the occupation of Hong Kong with the loyalty and determination of the women of the Tang family, chronicling not only their fight to stay alive but their fight for freedom.

I had never before heard of the children that aided the resistance by carrying messages - 'little ghosts' - able to move around almost unnoticed. They play a very important role in this story. The author mentions them in her notes at the conclusion of the book.

I appreciated the contrast between the oppression of being "First Wife" in a traditional, wealthy Chinese household and being oppressed by an occupying force. I also appreciated that Pei Yin has demonstrated that like any race, not all Japanese were bad.

There is a lot more to this novel than it first appears, and I was immediately drawn in by the quality of the writing, the strength of the characters and the captivating and thrilling storyline. There is a romantic thread running throughout the story which adds a little sweetness, a little poignancy, but it is not a dominant one and serves only to enhance the reading experience.

I am impressed by Emma Pei Yin's debut novel and will be eagerly picking up her next.

#WhenSleepingWomenWake #NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

MEET THE AUTHOR - EMMA PEI YIN: Emma is a British-born Hong Kong-Chinese writer and editor. She is the author of When Sleeping Women Wake and contributes to Mekong Review, The Hong Kong Review, Being Asian Australian, HerCanberra, Aniko Press and Books + Publishing.​

In 2023, Book People and Penguin Random House Australia nominated her as Bookseller of the Year. That same year, her manuscript, Chasing Echoes in the Rain, was shortlisted for the Allen & Unwin Voices from the Intersection Mentorship Programme.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette, Australia & New Zealand via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

‘When sleeping women wake, mountains move’. And did the author move me with this one, it’s so heart shattering yet heart warming and beautiful that you will need quite a few tissues! One of the top historical fiction books I’ve ever read, how is this a debut book? I absolutely loved it. The complexity of the characters, the way the author has described the struggles of women in a delicate and caring way and the way she depicts key pieces of history all through the book, is just incredible. I love historical fiction and this has just hit the nail!

A beautiful story of a mother and a daughter set during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. A time where women were just seen as something to posses and someone to extend the family line, the fierce Mingzhu was born in the year of the Fire Horse. And just like horse she was fierce, stubborn, intelligent and independent. And like they say strong women give birth to stronger women, she had Qiang. Even though Mingzhu dedicated her life to serve her husband before the war, she instilled all the independence she could in Qiang. And then the war hit, and their lives were changed. They were separated from each other and Biyu who was in name her Mingzhu’s maid, but in reality her soul sister. Mingzhu finally found an avenue to do something for her people and Qiang embraced her true nature to join the resistance. Through hardships and war the three women give their everything to end the war some men started, and through their journey you would learn how resilient and capable women are and how much they are underestimated.

In another masterpiece of a historical fiction, the role played by women in key pieces of history and war which is always overlooked, is shown brilliantly. I couldn’t help but compare this book to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah which is another of my favourites and if you like that one, you would love this one! Cannot recommend this book enough!!!!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette Aus for giving me a chance to read this ARC!

Emma Pei Yin’s When Sleeping Women Wake traces the World War II journey of a wealthy family after their escape from Shanghai and resettlement in Hong Kong. Their household, comprised of Mingzhu, her husband, his concubine and their son, their teenage daughter Qiang, her tutor, and a team of servants, carries the lingering trauma of past encounters with the Japanese, only to face their presence once again. The novel explores layered identities, shaped by external forces, and examines how war will once again redefine them. The novel is driven by the profound tension between women’s lack of autonomy and their yearning for self-determination. Whether it’s the ability to leave their home, the obligation to share a husband, the freedom to choose their own romantic partners, the decision to join a resistance movement, or the responsibility of caring, each of these choices is framed as a privilege, one that not all women are afforded. Even the simple act of contemplating their own future is portrayed as something that can be taken away, reinforcing the novel’s exploration of control, agency, and resilience.

News of war spreads gradually through newspaper articles and whispered rumours, lending the narrative a grounded realism that avoids the common historical fiction pitfall of characters possessing an improbable degree of foreknowledge. Separated by sudden events, Mingzhu’s linguistic skills and a hidden romantic connection draw her into service for the Imperial Japanese Army, while Qiang and Biyu’s experiences, labouring in factories, searching for food and aiding resistance fighters, reflect the everyday struggles of Hong Kong civilians under occupation. Through their separate journeys, the novel examines the brutality of war and occupation, touching on themes of trauma, domestic violence, familial love, and the resilience of women. It is an unflinching portrayal of survival with a sharp examination of the status of women.

“Biyu could only offer prayers, hoping the voice crackling through the radio was right and the British Allied Forces would prove strong enough to repel the Japanese. Yet she couldn’t rid herself of the overwhelming sense of futility. What was the point of fighting against such brutality now? Evidently the Japanese had already infiltrated the colony, like a seed planted in the heart of Hong Kong months earlier that was now sprouting, wreaking havoc throughout the city.”

Colonialism is a key theme. As the novel presents the fall of Hong Kong from the perspective of civilians rather than the military, it criticises British priorities. “Hong Kong is a British colony,” Biyu says. “Surely they will fight hard for it, no?” Francine raises an eyebrow. “I think you’ll find that the British like to fight their way into places. Whether they care enough to fight for Hong Kong’s people…” The book also touches on how some Japanese believed the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was a liberation effort from Western colonial rule, though reality proved to be disappointing.

Class divides are intricately woven into the narrative, particularly in relationships between masters and servants. The dynamic shifts at times, such as when a wealthy woman cooks for Biyu is an act that leaves the lifelong servant grappling with discomfort rather than relief, highlighting ingrained notions of hierarchy and status. War often comes with progressive shifts in society roles and the book represents the discomfort that can come with these changes well. Racial divides within the upper classes are highlighted by a conversation which illustrates how some clubs and other elite institutions in Hong Kong were only open to Westerners. “A discussion unfolded between the wives about the restrictions placed upon Chinese civilians in Hong Kong. Mingzhu pretended to listen, but she understood that all this talk was merely a façade. What, after all, would these women ever do to effect change and reduce discrimination against the Chinese? The answer was painfully clear. Nothing. They would do nothing.”

There are several romantic storylines in this novel, with one I found particularly satisfying. It’s infused with restrained yearning and secret connections. These elements of a relationship the woman had long been deprived of due to her lonely circumstances. What stood out most was how desire and exposure to fresh perspectives encouraged her to reassess her responsibilities, ambitions, and mindset, ultimately allowing her to embrace herself and her decisions with confidence.

Mingzhu, though admirable, is initially hard to relate to due to her lack of flaws. Her tastes in literature are impeccable, her fashion refined (unlike the ostentation of other women), her conversations intellectual rather than frivolous, her views progressive in contrast to her peers, her sense of duty unshakeable and her bravery unparalleled in the face of domestic violence and Japanese soldiers. Other characters, despite a lack of experience and the stress of their environment, rarely falter and deliver thrilling speeches which seem prepared in advance, with polish and composure. I would encourage readers wondering if these characters are just too good to continue on to the second half. The narrative does tend to align events in ways that absolve the protagonists from moral ambiguity, allowing them to remain admirable even in the face of difficult decisions. At times, the novel's coincidences and resolutions feel overly convenient, seemingly orchestrated to ensure the main characters remain unsullied by how their actions to survive might be perceived by others. The book grows stronger in its later parts, as personal conflicts, and the outcomes of their choices become messier and more emotionally tangled. The sections exploring specific historical events and the use of these events as a framework stand out, showcasing the author's skill for action, suspense and tension.

Despite multiple viewpoints and flashbacks, the novel remains fairly easy to follow. The characters’ voices carry a sort of timeless neutrality, lacking English linguistic markers of the 1940s. Given that the story unfolds through Mandarin, Cantonese, and English conversations, the decision may be an attempt to create a sense of being in translation, but it does mean that distinctions in age, background, and personality are less pronounced. This is an incredibly well researched novel and I have no doubt that the author put in a huge amount effort into analysing of how these events unfolded, but the voices might have benefited from deeper immersion in period specific media to enhance its authenticity and it would have strengthened the first chapters of the book.

When Sleeping Women Wake is a highly ambitious and character driven novel which shares Shanghai and Hong Kong’s wartime experiences through the viewpoints of extraordinary women. English language novels have rarely explored the experiences of civilians in the Pacific theatre, and even fewer have examined the atrocities from the Chinese perspective. A novel which presents this history helps us understand political landscapes, national identities and relationships between neighbouring countries. The war has left many scars on Chinese society, affecting collective memory and shaping perspectives across generations. Many parts are difficult to read due to the brutality, but this novel is a must read for fans of historical fiction and women’s fiction. It is an incisive look at British rule and the impact of Japanese occupation on civilians. While the novel occasionally leans into idealised portrayals and conveniently orchestrated outcomes, its sweeping narrative remains undeniably compelling. When Sleeping Women Wake delivers a beautifully crafted exploration of gender roles, family responsibilities, community building and the difficult choices forced upon those living through war. I am greatly looking forward to Emma Pei Yin’s next work.

This is a phenomenally written historical fiction. I have to confess that I knew very little about the Japanese occupation in Hong Kong during WW2. A lack of knowledge that this novel inspired me to rectify. The journey of the three strong female characters was both gripping, haunting and deeply moving. Emma Pei Yin has a beautiful writing style that was also commanding and held me captivated. I experienced a variety of emotions while reading. There were times I was smiling, times I could feel my heart pounding and times I was left in tears. The authors' research and subject knowledge was evident throughout and enriched the storytelling.

My sincere thanks to Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review. This is one I'll be purchasing for my physical library in the future.

4.5 stars. There were a few areas in the writing that could use improvement but this was a great debut. I've never read a historical fiction book so fast, the writing and chapters really lent themselves to be binged, and I cried! I actually cried! I never cry reading books but this was a perfect storm of things that made me sob.

When Sleeping Women Wake is a historical fiction novel by Emma Pei Yin set in 1940s Japanese occupied Hong Kong. It follows the perspectives of three women as they are separated from each other and are forced to survive in their new reality: noble woman Mingzhu Tang, her servant and oldest friend Biyu, and Mingzhu’s teenage daughter Qiang. I could really admire all three of these women and I found their bonds to each other very touching. I could feel how much they loved each other and how worried they were about each other after being torn apart. On a personal note, I loved that Mingzhu's favourite novel was Dream of the Red Chamber - I've still yet to read it, but I grew up playing the guzheng and one of my favourite songs to play was from a TV adaptation.

Confession: I'm actually someone who avoids media about the second Sino-Japanese War. I already know a lot about it and it's very upsetting to read about. (It's why I've never picked up The Poppy Way trilogy by R.F. Kuang.) A large part of it may be that I'm Chinese so it hits more personally, and really makes me reflect on how these events shaped the world my parents grew up in. The lack of education in Japan about their past is also extremely frustrating (look up Nanjing Massacre denial), and the War is also not often touched on in Western curriculums. But I really appreciated WSWW for teaching me more about it, especially by focusing in on what was happening in Hong Kong. I also appreciate that there were no graphic SA scenes in the book, as the rampant sexual violence committed by the Imperial Japanese Army is something I struggle to read about. It's implied throughout the novel but none of our characters were SA'ed, which I personally appreciated - it was enough to see it happening around them. WSWW hit the perfect balance for me by showing the horrors of war but not being exploitative with it.

The novel balanced fast paced action and suspense and showing the daily lives of our characters very well. I loved the range of setting we got to see - Hong Kong before and during the occupation, taking refuge in a small town, the factories, the Japanese army, the resistance base in the jungle. It helped create a holistic picture of life at the time. The chapters were a breeze to fly through and I enjoyed reading all the perspectives, so it was quite bingeable as we changed between the various plotlines and seeing how they connected.

My only critique is that the prose and dialogue could be a little awkward and clunky at times, but it didn't take away from the experience and I am sure the author will continue to grow at her craft. Another thing is that I felt like the roles of the Europeans could've been explored more, especially with Henry, Mingzhu's British love interest. I would have appreciated a little more depth to his character, perhaps explore his role as a white man in British occupied Hong Kong a little more and how that impacts the way he maneuvers through the world.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I'll be excited to pick up a physical copy once they're available (and maybe even get it signed 🤞). Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for the ARC.