When Sleeping Women Wake

'A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel' NGUYỄN PHAN QUẾ MAI'Gorgeous and expansive' STYLISTHong 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.

"A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel. . . . an important literary feat from an exciting new voice."--Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, global bestselling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child
"In this gripping tale, a close band of women is scattered by a ruthless occupation, each finding her own path through resilience, cunning, and taking high-risk chances. . . . A riveting, fast-paced read."--Jennifer Ryan, bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Underground Library
"A powerful tribute to the forgotten women and men who fought and resisted the merciless grip of the Japanese forces during a dark period of Hong Kong's history . . . Readers of historical fiction will be swept away by this stunning tale. Emma Pei Yin is a talent to watch!"--Weina Dai Randel, award-winning, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Master Jeweler
"I devoured Emma Pei Yin's heart-rending, transportive, and action-packed When Sleeping Women Wake in a single day. Brimming with intrigue and fascinating history, this sweeping story brings to life beautifully drawn characters and paints a gripping portrait of the strength of women's bonds."--Ashton Lattimore, author of All We Were Promised
"Lingers in the mind long after the final page--an exploration of strength, self-discovery, and the landscapes, both internal and external, that shape us."--Ayesha Inoon, author of Untethered
"When Sleeping Women Wake brings 1940s Hong Kong to life and reminds us that compassion can prevail, even against a ruthless regime."--Jane Yang, author of The Lotus Shoes
"Historical fiction at its finest."--Wiz Wharton, author of Ghost Girl, Banana