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Sisters Under the Rising Sun
A phenomenal novel of resilience and survival from bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris.
In the midst of World War II, an English musician, Norah Chambers, places her eight-year-old daughter Sally on a ship leaving Singapore, desperate to keep her safe from the Japanese army as they move down through the Pacific. Norah remains to care for her husband and elderly parents, knowing she may never see her child again.
Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, has enlisted to tend to Allied troops. But as Singapore falls to the Japanese she joins the terrified cargo of people, including the heartbroken Norah, crammed aboard the Vyner Brooke merchant ship. Only two days later, they are bombarded from the air off the coast of Indonesia, and in a matter of hours, the Vyner Brooke lies broken on the seabed.
After surviving a brutal 24 hours in the sea, Nesta and Norah reach the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. The camps are places of starvation and brutality, where disease runs rampant. Sisters in arms, Norah and Nesta fight side by side every day, helping whoever they can, and discovering in themselves and each other extraordinary reserves of courage, resourcefulness and determination.
Sisters under the Rising Sun is a story of women in war: a novel of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkest of circumstances, from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey and Three Sisters.
In the midst of World War II, an English musician, Norah Chambers, places her eight-year-old daughter Sally on a ship leaving Singapore, desperate to keep her safe from the Japanese army as they move down through the Pacific. Norah remains to care for her husband and elderly parents, knowing she may never see her child again.
Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, has enlisted to tend to Allied troops. But as Singapore falls to the Japanese she joins the terrified cargo of people, including the heartbroken Norah, crammed aboard the Vyner Brooke merchant ship. Only two days later, they are bombarded from the air off the coast of Indonesia, and in a matter of hours, the Vyner Brooke lies broken on the seabed.
After surviving a brutal 24 hours in the sea, Nesta and Norah reach the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. The camps are places of starvation and brutality, where disease runs rampant. Sisters in arms, Norah and Nesta fight side by side every day, helping whoever they can, and discovering in themselves and each other extraordinary reserves of courage, resourcefulness and determination.
Sisters under the Rising Sun is a story of women in war: a novel of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkest of circumstances, from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey and Three Sisters.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
1939 people are currently reading
30592 people want to read
About the author
Heather Morris
34 books9,194 followersI am a Native of New Zealand now resident in Australia, working in a large public hospital in Melbourne. For several years I studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an academy award winning Screenwriter in the U.S. In 2003, I was introduced to an elderly gentleman "who might just have a story worth telling". The day I met Lale Sokolov changed my life, as our friendship grew and he embarked on a journey of self scrutiny, entrusting the inner most details of his life during the Holocaust. I originally wrote Lale's story as a screenplay - which ranked high in international competitions - before reshaping it into my debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
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December 12, 2023
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
Narrated by Laura Carmichael
I'm so glad I was able to hear the audiobook of this story. Music plays a part in the telling of this story since an English musician, Norah Chambers, uses her extensive musical talents to help the women prisoners of the Japanese army endure their terrible situation by creating a voice orchestra, making use of the talents of the captive women who could sing or act as instruments, using the sounds of their voices. Missionary Margaret Dryburgh was her partner in creating this choir/orchestra along with the many other creative groups that Margaret started while the women were in captivity. Both women remember music from memory and also wrote music and songs for the women to perform. It is amazing the life that these creative and inspiring women live while they were suffering great deprivation during their long captivity. During the story and after the story is over, we get to hear the songs and music performed and I could not help getting teary eyed, knowing these women could do so much when they had so little. What they did have was each other and they made the most of their talents, whether it was nursing, writing, cleaning sewerage, growing what little they could with what little they had, squeezing meals out of meager food supplies, or picking weevils out of their rice while joking that at least the weevils supplied protein to their diet.
At the beginning of the story we meet Norah, her sister, and her husband as they are evacuating Singapore on the Vyner Brooke, a ship that is bombed and sunk by the Japanese. Also on the ill fated ship was Nesta James, one of 64 Australian evacuating nurses. Those that survive the shipwreck and attacks by the Japanese, once on land, are captured and taken to the first of many POW camps where they well try to stay alive despite starvation and brutality. This group of women lived over three and half years under these severe conditions with hundreds of women dying before being released. We meet many heroic nurses, missionaries, and other women with so many giving everything they had to help each other make it from one day to the next. These camps also contained children and great sacrifices were made when it came to food, in the hopes that the children could live through the internment.
I appreciate the dedication, two afterwards, and author's note at the end of the book. I always want to know more when I read historical fiction and Heather Morris supplied me with so much that I wanted to know and gave me an idea of where to look for more about these amazing women. Laura Carmichael narrated the story beautifully. Despite the extreme sadness I felt at times, there were also happy moments, which just goes to show the resiliency of humans during great suffering.
Pub Oct 24 2023
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Laura Carmichael
I'm so glad I was able to hear the audiobook of this story. Music plays a part in the telling of this story since an English musician, Norah Chambers, uses her extensive musical talents to help the women prisoners of the Japanese army endure their terrible situation by creating a voice orchestra, making use of the talents of the captive women who could sing or act as instruments, using the sounds of their voices. Missionary Margaret Dryburgh was her partner in creating this choir/orchestra along with the many other creative groups that Margaret started while the women were in captivity. Both women remember music from memory and also wrote music and songs for the women to perform. It is amazing the life that these creative and inspiring women live while they were suffering great deprivation during their long captivity. During the story and after the story is over, we get to hear the songs and music performed and I could not help getting teary eyed, knowing these women could do so much when they had so little. What they did have was each other and they made the most of their talents, whether it was nursing, writing, cleaning sewerage, growing what little they could with what little they had, squeezing meals out of meager food supplies, or picking weevils out of their rice while joking that at least the weevils supplied protein to their diet.
At the beginning of the story we meet Norah, her sister, and her husband as they are evacuating Singapore on the Vyner Brooke, a ship that is bombed and sunk by the Japanese. Also on the ill fated ship was Nesta James, one of 64 Australian evacuating nurses. Those that survive the shipwreck and attacks by the Japanese, once on land, are captured and taken to the first of many POW camps where they well try to stay alive despite starvation and brutality. This group of women lived over three and half years under these severe conditions with hundreds of women dying before being released. We meet many heroic nurses, missionaries, and other women with so many giving everything they had to help each other make it from one day to the next. These camps also contained children and great sacrifices were made when it came to food, in the hopes that the children could live through the internment.
I appreciate the dedication, two afterwards, and author's note at the end of the book. I always want to know more when I read historical fiction and Heather Morris supplied me with so much that I wanted to know and gave me an idea of where to look for more about these amazing women. Laura Carmichael narrated the story beautifully. Despite the extreme sadness I felt at times, there were also happy moments, which just goes to show the resiliency of humans during great suffering.
Pub Oct 24 2023
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 19, 2023
This book undoubtedly has many commendable aspects, and I can appreciate why it resonates with many readers. However, I struggled with the writing style to the point where I had to set the book aside at the halfway mark. While I did appreciate the prominent themes of friendship/sisterhood and support among the women, these elements didn't ring true to me, nor did they portray the kind of strong, relatable women with fears and vulnerabilities I would expect from them under their circumstances.
The dialogue within the story struck me as unrealistic. It felt artificial and overly optimistic, lacking the authentic tone I would expect from women under the stress they should have been under. This, unfortunately, prevented me from fully stepping into their shoes and sharing their feelings and I could not connect to any of the characters.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
The dialogue within the story struck me as unrealistic. It felt artificial and overly optimistic, lacking the authentic tone I would expect from women under the stress they should have been under. This, unfortunately, prevented me from fully stepping into their shoes and sharing their feelings and I could not connect to any of the characters.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 10, 2023
With the WWII stories saturating the reading world, a story needs to give readers a new and different angle. This is one that does that but this is also based on real events and real people.
When the Japanese entered the war in 1942, many evacuees tried to get out of Singapore. Some were luckier than others. One merchant ship, Vyner Brooke, attempting to get people out, was hit sending terrified people into the ocean.Some managed to make it to safety on an island only to be captured and held hostage for 3 years 7 months.
This was a story of brave sisters. Holy ones; biological ones; and ones who became like sisters. It’s about formidable women who had much strength during a time of captivity. About friendships developing in the midst of trauma.
The disconnect for me were the many characters to keep track of which prevented me from connecting with any.
However, that being said, Morris opens the story with a worthy tribute to nurses; and closes it with the her notes which really were the emotional link I was looking for. Bravo.
4⭐️
When the Japanese entered the war in 1942, many evacuees tried to get out of Singapore. Some were luckier than others. One merchant ship, Vyner Brooke, attempting to get people out, was hit sending terrified people into the ocean.Some managed to make it to safety on an island only to be captured and held hostage for 3 years 7 months.
This was a story of brave sisters. Holy ones; biological ones; and ones who became like sisters. It’s about formidable women who had much strength during a time of captivity. About friendships developing in the midst of trauma.
The disconnect for me were the many characters to keep track of which prevented me from connecting with any.
However, that being said, Morris opens the story with a worthy tribute to nurses; and closes it with the her notes which really were the emotional link I was looking for. Bravo.
4⭐️
October 12, 2023
Survival and friendship.
Women being held in a notorious Japanese POW camp during WWII is another frightening example of brutalities that occur/occurred during wartime. I had both the book and the audiobook versions but mainly listened to the audiobook. I recommended the audiobook as the female characters form a chorus during their time in the POW camp and their singing/orchestra voices is played during at one point during the audiobook.
During the war, many tried to escape and find a safe refuge not only for themselves but for those that they loved. Some of the women enlisted as nurses to help the allied cause. One of which was Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, who boarded the Vyner Brooke as Singapore fell to the Japanese. Also on board was Norah Chambers, an English musician and mother. Two days into their voyage, their ship was hit and sank. Nesta, Norah and others survived in the sea for 24 hours and once they found a remote beach, were taken prisoner by the Japanese and put into a POW camp. There they met other prisoners of war and formed strong bonds and friendships.
Their plight is a hard one and many did not survive. What shines was their bonds, their determination, their bravery, their singing, and their sacrifices. I enjoyed how the women used their voices to form an orchestra which lifted their spirits and entertained others.
This book, like Heather Morris's other books, is well written, well thought out, and depicts a horrific time in history. I appreciate that she based this book on the real life Nesta James and Norah Chambers, along with 500 hundred other women who were kept in POW camps in the jungle. Parts of this book may be difficult for some to read but know that the scenes are not graphic.
While this was not my favorite book by Heather Morris, I still found it to be impactful, moving and gripping. Knowing that this is based on real people and events in history, makes it even more powerful.
Well written, moving and depicting deep female bonds.
3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Women being held in a notorious Japanese POW camp during WWII is another frightening example of brutalities that occur/occurred during wartime. I had both the book and the audiobook versions but mainly listened to the audiobook. I recommended the audiobook as the female characters form a chorus during their time in the POW camp and their singing/orchestra voices is played during at one point during the audiobook.
During the war, many tried to escape and find a safe refuge not only for themselves but for those that they loved. Some of the women enlisted as nurses to help the allied cause. One of which was Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, who boarded the Vyner Brooke as Singapore fell to the Japanese. Also on board was Norah Chambers, an English musician and mother. Two days into their voyage, their ship was hit and sank. Nesta, Norah and others survived in the sea for 24 hours and once they found a remote beach, were taken prisoner by the Japanese and put into a POW camp. There they met other prisoners of war and formed strong bonds and friendships.
Their plight is a hard one and many did not survive. What shines was their bonds, their determination, their bravery, their singing, and their sacrifices. I enjoyed how the women used their voices to form an orchestra which lifted their spirits and entertained others.
This book, like Heather Morris's other books, is well written, well thought out, and depicts a horrific time in history. I appreciate that she based this book on the real life Nesta James and Norah Chambers, along with 500 hundred other women who were kept in POW camps in the jungle. Parts of this book may be difficult for some to read but know that the scenes are not graphic.
While this was not my favorite book by Heather Morris, I still found it to be impactful, moving and gripping. Knowing that this is based on real people and events in history, makes it even more powerful.
Well written, moving and depicting deep female bonds.
3.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 15, 2023
Although Heather Morris takes her readers off the European mainland and transports them to an island in Asia, she still draws upon her stellar ability to write about suffering and hope in the midst of it. Her focus this time is on sisters - nursing sisters - and she examines the belief that struggles expand our compassion for others.
Inspired by the Vyner Brook Tragedy, Morris’s latest book reminds us that even when it feels like the suffering is too much for us to handle, it’s possible for us to keep feeling compassion. Furthermore, it’s possible to help generously. Armed with resilience developed through their career, the ‘sisters’ effectively elevated their own ability to care about and effectively help others who were …. Ugh, I”m going to say it … in the same boat. Don’t throw anything at me!
The Vyner Brook was a merchant ship carrying desperate evacuees from Singapore when it was hit by the Japanese Air Force and sunk. You’ll read about a group of courageous survivors who made it to a remote island … then realize that the sinking was only the beginning of their horrific journey to escape the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
You’ll appreciate a fresh setting and perspective for WW2 history, and your emotions will be high when you are reminded that these are real people and real events. Their resilience and bravery will astound you. I won’t forget Nesta James, Betty Jeffrey and Vivian Bullwinkel any time soon. Thank you for bringing this important piece of history to light so that we can continue to learn from their courage and care.
If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey and/or Three Sisters, you’ll want to source a copy of this book immediately.
The significance of the title was not lost on me, Heather Morris!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Inspired by the Vyner Brook Tragedy, Morris’s latest book reminds us that even when it feels like the suffering is too much for us to handle, it’s possible for us to keep feeling compassion. Furthermore, it’s possible to help generously. Armed with resilience developed through their career, the ‘sisters’ effectively elevated their own ability to care about and effectively help others who were …. Ugh, I”m going to say it … in the same boat. Don’t throw anything at me!
The Vyner Brook was a merchant ship carrying desperate evacuees from Singapore when it was hit by the Japanese Air Force and sunk. You’ll read about a group of courageous survivors who made it to a remote island … then realize that the sinking was only the beginning of their horrific journey to escape the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
You’ll appreciate a fresh setting and perspective for WW2 history, and your emotions will be high when you are reminded that these are real people and real events. Their resilience and bravery will astound you. I won’t forget Nesta James, Betty Jeffrey and Vivian Bullwinkel any time soon. Thank you for bringing this important piece of history to light so that we can continue to learn from their courage and care.
If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey and/or Three Sisters, you’ll want to source a copy of this book immediately.
The significance of the title was not lost on me, Heather Morris!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 10, 2024
3 stars.
An informative read sharing an important part of history.
WWII. Families are fleeing Singapore to get away from Japanese army invasion. A ship carrying fleeing civilians and nurses is attacked leaving the evacuees lost at sea and eventually washed up on a remote island in Indonesia where they are captured by the Japanese army and held in prisoner-of-war (POW) camps.
This novel follows perspectives from the evacuee families and the nurses who fled with them, eventually ending up together in the POW camps. The narratives are blended together throughout chapters switching by paragraphs which I found confusing at times. I would have preferred clearer cut perspectives — by chapter or subtitle.
I connected more strongly with the nurses and enjoyed following their journey more so than the families they were alongside. There is a musical element to this storyline which I found endearing overall, but also struggled in believing the extreme cheeriness the author wrote these scenes with.
Friendship and sisterhood is a main theme and one that was critical for daily survival in the camps. The relationships were well fleshed out but at times, too cheery and because of this I failed to fully connect with the characters. I liked them and learned from them, but wasn’t invested in them.
The overall tone of the book wasn’t as heavy as I expected. The characters had a “cuteness” to them that felt unfitting during these horrific times. The characters dialogue and behaviour during their imprisonment wasn’t believable but it did make for a quick and easy read. The writing lacked the grit and heaviness I expect in historical fiction novels. The writing flowed well other than my preference for having the perspectives more clear cut. The atmosphere was vivid but my lack of connection to the characters kept me at a distance from the story.
Overall, this wasn’t a winner for me, but I appreciate learning about this time in our history. I recommend this to readers looking for a lighter but informative historical fiction experience.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
An informative read sharing an important part of history.
WWII. Families are fleeing Singapore to get away from Japanese army invasion. A ship carrying fleeing civilians and nurses is attacked leaving the evacuees lost at sea and eventually washed up on a remote island in Indonesia where they are captured by the Japanese army and held in prisoner-of-war (POW) camps.
This novel follows perspectives from the evacuee families and the nurses who fled with them, eventually ending up together in the POW camps. The narratives are blended together throughout chapters switching by paragraphs which I found confusing at times. I would have preferred clearer cut perspectives — by chapter or subtitle.
I connected more strongly with the nurses and enjoyed following their journey more so than the families they were alongside. There is a musical element to this storyline which I found endearing overall, but also struggled in believing the extreme cheeriness the author wrote these scenes with.
Friendship and sisterhood is a main theme and one that was critical for daily survival in the camps. The relationships were well fleshed out but at times, too cheery and because of this I failed to fully connect with the characters. I liked them and learned from them, but wasn’t invested in them.
The overall tone of the book wasn’t as heavy as I expected. The characters had a “cuteness” to them that felt unfitting during these horrific times. The characters dialogue and behaviour during their imprisonment wasn’t believable but it did make for a quick and easy read. The writing lacked the grit and heaviness I expect in historical fiction novels. The writing flowed well other than my preference for having the perspectives more clear cut. The atmosphere was vivid but my lack of connection to the characters kept me at a distance from the story.
Overall, this wasn’t a winner for me, but I appreciate learning about this time in our history. I recommend this to readers looking for a lighter but informative historical fiction experience.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
August 27, 2023
Norah and John Chambers have to make a difficult choice, they send their eight year old daughter Sally with Norah’s older sister and her two sons who are leaving Singapore. The Japanese army are quickly invading the Pacific, Norah and John, her sister Ena Murray and brother-in-law Ken remain behind with the sisters elderly parents.
Nesta James is a pint-sized nurse and a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service, along with English and Dutch civilians they flee on one of the last boats to leave Singapore aboard the SS Vyner Brooke. The chances of the merchant vessel making it’s way to Australia without being seen by the Japanese would take a miracle, a couple of days later they are spotted off the coast of Indonesia and the bombed SS Vyner Brooke sinks to the bottom of the ocean.
Stranded in the sea, Norah, John, Ena and Nesta and the other survivors make it to Banka Island, the lucky ones are captured by the Japanese, beginning their time as prisoners of war and their captors don’t care about the Geneva Convention. The camps are squalid and over crowded, the women and children are separated from the men, with no sanitation and clean drinking water, barely given enough food to keep them alive, sickness spreads quickly and are constantly relocated. The women come up with ideas to keep going, everyone has to pitch in and help and they from a choir and voice orchestra and preform concerts to boost morale.
I received a copy of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris from Echo Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A story about women and children being caught up in a war, what they had to endure over three and a half years was horrific, including physical and mental abuse, depravity and war crimes. The narrative is based on inspirational and real people, including nurses Nesta James, Vivian Bullwinkle and Betty Jeffery, civilians Norah Chambers, Ena Murray, Margaret Dryburgh, Audrey Owen, Mrs. Hinch and Dutch nun sister Catherina.
The ladies maintained the belief they would survive, showed courage and bravery, stuck together and overcame difficulties, they never gave up and found a solution, formed friendships and some kept a secret and shared the joy of music and singing. Five stars from me, Heather Morris and the survivors families wanted the world to know it wasn't only men who were Japanese prisoners of war in Sumatra, women suffered the same hardships and lived with the trauma for the rest of their lives.
Nesta James is a pint-sized nurse and a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service, along with English and Dutch civilians they flee on one of the last boats to leave Singapore aboard the SS Vyner Brooke. The chances of the merchant vessel making it’s way to Australia without being seen by the Japanese would take a miracle, a couple of days later they are spotted off the coast of Indonesia and the bombed SS Vyner Brooke sinks to the bottom of the ocean.
Stranded in the sea, Norah, John, Ena and Nesta and the other survivors make it to Banka Island, the lucky ones are captured by the Japanese, beginning their time as prisoners of war and their captors don’t care about the Geneva Convention. The camps are squalid and over crowded, the women and children are separated from the men, with no sanitation and clean drinking water, barely given enough food to keep them alive, sickness spreads quickly and are constantly relocated. The women come up with ideas to keep going, everyone has to pitch in and help and they from a choir and voice orchestra and preform concerts to boost morale.
I received a copy of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris from Echo Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A story about women and children being caught up in a war, what they had to endure over three and a half years was horrific, including physical and mental abuse, depravity and war crimes. The narrative is based on inspirational and real people, including nurses Nesta James, Vivian Bullwinkle and Betty Jeffery, civilians Norah Chambers, Ena Murray, Margaret Dryburgh, Audrey Owen, Mrs. Hinch and Dutch nun sister Catherina.
The ladies maintained the belief they would survive, showed courage and bravery, stuck together and overcame difficulties, they never gave up and found a solution, formed friendships and some kept a secret and shared the joy of music and singing. Five stars from me, Heather Morris and the survivors families wanted the world to know it wasn't only men who were Japanese prisoners of war in Sumatra, women suffered the same hardships and lived with the trauma for the rest of their lives.
September 25, 2023
The Vyner Brooke merchant ship was filled with civilians and Australian nurses (from the Australian Army Nursing Service) as they evacuated Singapore in 1942, desperate to escape the Japanese. But when the ship was bombed and she sank, survivors littered the waters. Some would manage to reach shore, others wouldn't - but those who did were captured by the Japanese army and taken to POW camps. The men and women were separated, and Sisters Under the Rising Sun tells the story of those women.
Sister Nesta James assumed control of the nurses under her care, after their Matron didn't survive, and the once large group of nurses dwindled after tragedy struck. Also in the camp were sisters, Norah and Ena, with Norah's husband in the men's camp and Ena's back in Singapore, caring for the sisters' elderly parents. Together, during starvation, brutality, determination and deprivation, Norah and Nesta kept morale up with care, companionship and music. Their hardship of continually moving camp, having to prepare each site usable, and keeping the Japanese captain happy, took its toll, while disease with little medications, ran rampant. As 1942 became 1943, then 1944 and 1945, they wondered if they would ever see loved ones again...
In my opinion, Sisters Under the Rising Sun is Aussie author Heather Morris's best novel yet. A phenomenal story of women at war, of courage and determination, of friendships and keeping hope alive, I felt in awe of the women in the story. I have read different books on some of the events which are told in this book, and this is definitely up there with the best. Based on fact, and using many real-life characters, the information at the end of the book is incredible. The research that has gone into the telling of Sisters Under the Rising Sun is mind boggling. Thank you so very much Heather Morris for telling us this heartbreaking story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Sister Nesta James assumed control of the nurses under her care, after their Matron didn't survive, and the once large group of nurses dwindled after tragedy struck. Also in the camp were sisters, Norah and Ena, with Norah's husband in the men's camp and Ena's back in Singapore, caring for the sisters' elderly parents. Together, during starvation, brutality, determination and deprivation, Norah and Nesta kept morale up with care, companionship and music. Their hardship of continually moving camp, having to prepare each site usable, and keeping the Japanese captain happy, took its toll, while disease with little medications, ran rampant. As 1942 became 1943, then 1944 and 1945, they wondered if they would ever see loved ones again...
In my opinion, Sisters Under the Rising Sun is Aussie author Heather Morris's best novel yet. A phenomenal story of women at war, of courage and determination, of friendships and keeping hope alive, I felt in awe of the women in the story. I have read different books on some of the events which are told in this book, and this is definitely up there with the best. Based on fact, and using many real-life characters, the information at the end of the book is incredible. The research that has gone into the telling of Sisters Under the Rising Sun is mind boggling. Thank you so very much Heather Morris for telling us this heartbreaking story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
Sisters Under the Rising Sun is based on the true story of women who were Japanese prisoners of war on a remote island. The story focuses primarily on Norah Chambers, a trained British chorale conductor, and on Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse. Along with others, these two women could bring hope and even some joy to their fellow prisoners during the three years and seven months they were held captive. Chambers was able to form a voice orchestra to perform for the camp. James and other Australian nurses were devoted to the care of everyone in the camp. The conditions were often grueling. The prisoners were often barely fed, given little water, had to endure infestations, punished for the smallest infraction, and forced to move camp numerous times.
The author has done an excellent job of telling this story of endurance, bravery, and resilience.
Sometime soon I want to watch the Glenn Close and Cate Blanchett movie Paradise Road which was based on this prison camp.
The author has done an excellent job of telling this story of endurance, bravery, and resilience.
Sometime soon I want to watch the Glenn Close and Cate Blanchett movie Paradise Road which was based on this prison camp.
November 4, 2023
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris was a very compelling book. It was based on actually events and real people. Sisters Under the Rising Sun detailed the unimaginable atrocities and cruelty the Japanese army inflicted upon women and children in their POW camps during World War II. The Japanese army paid no attention to concessions that were mandated for members of foreign armies. They inflicted their harsh and brutal punishments on civilians and army nurses alike, not giving any special treatment to the nurses. Sisters Under the Rising Sun took place in Singapore and Banka Island near Indonesia from 1942 through 1945. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Laura Carmichael.
Nora Chambers was a talented and accomplished musician who was living in Singapore. She was lucky to have her husband John, their eight year old daughter Sally, her aging parents, her sister Ena and her husband all with her. Word had been circulating though that it was just a matter of time before the Japanese army found their way to Singapore. Nora and John Chambers worried excessively about their daughter Sally’s safety once the Japanese imposed their wrath on the people of Singapore. Together Nora and John decided to send their eight year old daughter with Nora’s oldest sister and her two sons to find safety far away from Singapore. Nora had promised Sally that they would never be separated but Nora was left with no choice. Her husband John was still recovering from being sick and she felt compelled to remain with her elderly parents. Nora only hoped that her daughter would be safe and that she would be reunited with her one day.
Sister Nesta James was born in Wales and relocated to Australia as a young girl. As a young woman, she trained as a nurse and decided to enlist in the Australian army. Her desire was to be able to tend to wounded Allied soldiers. Nesta was stationed in Singapore when Singapore fell to the Japanese army. On February 12, 1942, Sister Nesta James found herself on the last ship of evacuees out of Singapore. The ship, Vyner Brooke, a merchant ship, was carrying mostly women and children. Among the passengers were Nora, her husband John, Nora’s sister Ena and the nurses of the Australian Army.
Just two days into their journey, the Vyner Brooke was attacked by Japanese planes flying overhead. Those aboard scrambled to locate vacant lifeboats and make their way to the top deck. Many of the women and children just jumped into the sea. After being in the sea for over twenty-four hours, the exhausted women and children that survived the attack and ordeal spotted land. The survivors had made their way to an island off the coast of Indonesia. They had landed on Banka Island. Only one hundred fifty passengers survived. Among the survivors were Norah, her husband, her sister and Nesta. Their first instinct was to look for water and food but they were soon apprehended by the Japanese army. All the survivors from the Vyner Brooke were placed in a Japanese POW camp. The Japanese military treated the civilians and the army nurses in the same way. No special concessions were granted to the army nurses. Their positions meant nothing to the Japanese in charge. The Japanese men in authority looked down upon and disrespected all women despite their status. Conditions in the POW camp were unsanitary, crowded and unsafe. Disease, sickness and starvation prevailed. Inhumane treatment was widespread.
Norah and Nesta became good friends and both women were determined to help anyone who needed help. Nesta used her medical knowledge to assist anyone that required attention. Nora applied her musical expertise to help boost the morale of the women. Both women were instrumental in helping the women in the POW camp survive their three and a half year ordeal.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris was so moving. I have read all of the books that Heather Morris has written and each book continues to impress me. Sisters Under the Rising Sun was no exception. I had recently read another book that addressed the treatment the Japanese army inflicted upon Dutch women in their POW camps. Sisters Under the Rising Sun explored the fate of Singapore, the destruction of the Vyner Brooke carrying almost exclusively women and children away from Singapore and Japanese control, the controversial treatment of the captured nurses by the Japanese, the importance of music in the POW camp and the horrific treatment the women and children endured under the Japanese regime for three and a half very long years. The themes of courage, bravery, resilience, struggles, friendship, family, music and compassion were explored. I recommend listening to the audiobook version of this book. The recordings of the music Norah and her inmates performed were mesmerizing. I also appreciated hearing Heather Morris’s voice as she delivered her author notes at the end. It is always interesting hearing from the author about where their inspiration came from for the book they had written and what they learned from their research. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Nora Chambers was a talented and accomplished musician who was living in Singapore. She was lucky to have her husband John, their eight year old daughter Sally, her aging parents, her sister Ena and her husband all with her. Word had been circulating though that it was just a matter of time before the Japanese army found their way to Singapore. Nora and John Chambers worried excessively about their daughter Sally’s safety once the Japanese imposed their wrath on the people of Singapore. Together Nora and John decided to send their eight year old daughter with Nora’s oldest sister and her two sons to find safety far away from Singapore. Nora had promised Sally that they would never be separated but Nora was left with no choice. Her husband John was still recovering from being sick and she felt compelled to remain with her elderly parents. Nora only hoped that her daughter would be safe and that she would be reunited with her one day.
Sister Nesta James was born in Wales and relocated to Australia as a young girl. As a young woman, she trained as a nurse and decided to enlist in the Australian army. Her desire was to be able to tend to wounded Allied soldiers. Nesta was stationed in Singapore when Singapore fell to the Japanese army. On February 12, 1942, Sister Nesta James found herself on the last ship of evacuees out of Singapore. The ship, Vyner Brooke, a merchant ship, was carrying mostly women and children. Among the passengers were Nora, her husband John, Nora’s sister Ena and the nurses of the Australian Army.
Just two days into their journey, the Vyner Brooke was attacked by Japanese planes flying overhead. Those aboard scrambled to locate vacant lifeboats and make their way to the top deck. Many of the women and children just jumped into the sea. After being in the sea for over twenty-four hours, the exhausted women and children that survived the attack and ordeal spotted land. The survivors had made their way to an island off the coast of Indonesia. They had landed on Banka Island. Only one hundred fifty passengers survived. Among the survivors were Norah, her husband, her sister and Nesta. Their first instinct was to look for water and food but they were soon apprehended by the Japanese army. All the survivors from the Vyner Brooke were placed in a Japanese POW camp. The Japanese military treated the civilians and the army nurses in the same way. No special concessions were granted to the army nurses. Their positions meant nothing to the Japanese in charge. The Japanese men in authority looked down upon and disrespected all women despite their status. Conditions in the POW camp were unsanitary, crowded and unsafe. Disease, sickness and starvation prevailed. Inhumane treatment was widespread.
Norah and Nesta became good friends and both women were determined to help anyone who needed help. Nesta used her medical knowledge to assist anyone that required attention. Nora applied her musical expertise to help boost the morale of the women. Both women were instrumental in helping the women in the POW camp survive their three and a half year ordeal.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris was so moving. I have read all of the books that Heather Morris has written and each book continues to impress me. Sisters Under the Rising Sun was no exception. I had recently read another book that addressed the treatment the Japanese army inflicted upon Dutch women in their POW camps. Sisters Under the Rising Sun explored the fate of Singapore, the destruction of the Vyner Brooke carrying almost exclusively women and children away from Singapore and Japanese control, the controversial treatment of the captured nurses by the Japanese, the importance of music in the POW camp and the horrific treatment the women and children endured under the Japanese regime for three and a half very long years. The themes of courage, bravery, resilience, struggles, friendship, family, music and compassion were explored. I recommend listening to the audiobook version of this book. The recordings of the music Norah and her inmates performed were mesmerizing. I also appreciated hearing Heather Morris’s voice as she delivered her author notes at the end. It is always interesting hearing from the author about where their inspiration came from for the book they had written and what they learned from their research. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 7, 2025
Deși este o poveste despre durerea și suferința femeilor din lagărele japoneze din Sumatra de Sud, despre curajul surorilor medicale din armata australiană și a unor femei obișnuite, modul de scrierea nu a convins.
August 23, 2023
'I have not told this story so the women internees of the Japanese prisoner-of-war camps in Indonesia will be remembered. I have told this story so they will be known...alongside those of all male prisoners of war, their suffering no less'.
When Japan entered WW2, after attacking Pearl Harbour, many Pacific Island nations quickly fell under their onslaught. Refugees from the attack in Malaya, in early 1942, fled to Singapore only to realise they were no safer, 'Singapore is on fire; ahead the sea is littered with burning wrecks of ships, boats, big and small'. Once again, the need to evacuate was imperative, not only for citizens and expats, but also for medical personnel. Under heavy gunfire, the Vyner Brooke departed; knowing that bombing was inevitable but certain staying meant death. On board: Norah, her husband John, and her sister Ena are desperate to catch up with Norah’s daughter Sally who departed on a previous sailing, as well as a cohort of Australian nurses including Nesta. Their sense of relief, as they cast off is but a whisper when just two days later their ship is sunk after a Japanese bombing raid. Every survivor became a prisoner of war. Every day became a war to survive.
Heather Morris deploys the reader directly into Singapore's warzone amongst the chaos and fright of civilians trying to escape, after which, there is a mundanity to the depiction of their prison life, but I feel like that too reflects part of the trial of survival. As an Antipodean, I thoroughly enjoyed Morris's inclusion of the ongoing pavlova 'war'. Indeed, the pavlova was, 'Invented in New Zealand, named in New Zealand, it is a kiwi dish', for the record!
'Sisters Under the Rising Sun' is a moving tale that highlights the often less depicted war in the Pacific. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the harrowing time many civilians endured for such a long part of WW2. I believe any fan of historical fiction set in WW2, who enjoys reading about strong women and 'sisterhood' will really appreciate this book.
When Japan entered WW2, after attacking Pearl Harbour, many Pacific Island nations quickly fell under their onslaught. Refugees from the attack in Malaya, in early 1942, fled to Singapore only to realise they were no safer, 'Singapore is on fire; ahead the sea is littered with burning wrecks of ships, boats, big and small'. Once again, the need to evacuate was imperative, not only for citizens and expats, but also for medical personnel. Under heavy gunfire, the Vyner Brooke departed; knowing that bombing was inevitable but certain staying meant death. On board: Norah, her husband John, and her sister Ena are desperate to catch up with Norah’s daughter Sally who departed on a previous sailing, as well as a cohort of Australian nurses including Nesta. Their sense of relief, as they cast off is but a whisper when just two days later their ship is sunk after a Japanese bombing raid. Every survivor became a prisoner of war. Every day became a war to survive.
Heather Morris deploys the reader directly into Singapore's warzone amongst the chaos and fright of civilians trying to escape, after which, there is a mundanity to the depiction of their prison life, but I feel like that too reflects part of the trial of survival. As an Antipodean, I thoroughly enjoyed Morris's inclusion of the ongoing pavlova 'war'. Indeed, the pavlova was, 'Invented in New Zealand, named in New Zealand, it is a kiwi dish', for the record!
'Sisters Under the Rising Sun' is a moving tale that highlights the often less depicted war in the Pacific. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the harrowing time many civilians endured for such a long part of WW2. I believe any fan of historical fiction set in WW2, who enjoys reading about strong women and 'sisterhood' will really appreciate this book.
September 28, 2023
DNF
I feel terrible only getting 25% through this book but it felt like it was written by a 12 year old in history class.
Based upon the lives of the women who were in a Japanese POW camp, this book tells of their experiences. However, the characters were sickly sweet. Where there was huge life changing drama - it was briefly described without much emotion. Just a nod to a huge explosion and murder and horrific war crimes. It seemed Morris was far more caught up in the hierarchy of the nursing ladder to describe to us the pain amd trauma these characters were feeling.
Life is too short to keep on reading books that are just too twee.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC that I received in lieu of my honest opinion.
I feel terrible only getting 25% through this book but it felt like it was written by a 12 year old in history class.
Based upon the lives of the women who were in a Japanese POW camp, this book tells of their experiences. However, the characters were sickly sweet. Where there was huge life changing drama - it was briefly described without much emotion. Just a nod to a huge explosion and murder and horrific war crimes. It seemed Morris was far more caught up in the hierarchy of the nursing ladder to describe to us the pain amd trauma these characters were feeling.
Life is too short to keep on reading books that are just too twee.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC that I received in lieu of my honest opinion.
October 15, 2023
2.5 Stars. Having enjoyed Heather Morris's informative historical novels in The Tattooist of Auschwitz series, I was excited to receive this ARC. I regret to say that I was disappointed in this story of women POWs detained in Japanese Prison Camps. The story begins with the fall of Singapore and the Malay district to the Japanese army in 1942 and continues until the end of WW2 in 1945.
A ship evacuated Residents and Australian nurses, but the Japanese bombarded and sank the ship. Among many onboard the sinking ship, there were deaths and injuries. The story focused on two women who survived, Nesta and Norah, who spent 24 hours in the water clinging to debris. They and other survivors ended up on a remote island, captured by Japanese soldiers and forced into a prison camp. The camp included Dutch nuns, Dutch and English civilians, and Australian nurses. The men were immediately separated from the women prisoners and interred in a different base. Norah's husband, ill with typhoid, was taken away. The women were moved from one camp to the next. These camps were filthy, disease-ridden, and lacked sufficient food and water. Conditions worsened, and punishments became more brutal when the Japanese guards knew they were losing the war.
The structure and flow of the story were choppy, and the narration was dialogue-heavy. Minor conversations covered some events without additional context. The narration was by telling rather than showing through basic, rudimentary dialogues.
I admired that the author based her characters on real people for us to get to know them so they would be remembered. There is a list at the book's end detailing what is known about the actual characters who form the basis of the story. Learning how the women banded together in sisterhood, sharing, nursing, and caring for one another with encouraging words or hope is uplifting. The survivors of the ship disaster had only the clothes on their backs, while others had money and suitcases full of clothing. This divided the prisoners into have and have-not groups. Petticoats were torn to provide bandages. When a food vendor was allowed into camp to sell healthy food, some could not purchase the much-needed food without the help of others.
The women raised spirits through music concerts, a voice orchestra and a newspaper. I became bored with all the lengthy descriptions of the music. At one point, everyone was sad and mourning the death of a woman who had never been mentioned before, so there was no emotional connection.
Having watched the wonderful TENKO on TV years ago and read about some POW camps, I found a few things hard to believe, such as prisoners cutting the grass with scissors and knives. I wonder if the frequent confrontations with the camp commanders about rule changes and the defying of guards would result in punishment. I wanted more description of the camps and the surrounding Sumatran jungle.
Norah and Nesta became the two main characters. Norah was an English musician, and Nesta was an Australian nurse. They were similar in words and actions, and it wasn't easy to distinguish them. Both women were dedicated to caring for others, raising hope and morale, and volunteering for the most unpleasant jobs. Too many background character names detracted from Norah's and Nesta's stories and caused me to fail to connect with the individuals on an emotional level. As they were moved from camp to camp, new names for camp captains and guards were added. There was never a lack of volunteers to do the filthiest jobs, such as cleaning sewage drains, clearing well bottoms, and patching the roof. Four women volunteered as 'comfort women' for the guards so their companions would be left alone and not harassed or punished.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Despite my misgivings, I will watch for the author's next book. October 24 is the date of publication.
A ship evacuated Residents and Australian nurses, but the Japanese bombarded and sank the ship. Among many onboard the sinking ship, there were deaths and injuries. The story focused on two women who survived, Nesta and Norah, who spent 24 hours in the water clinging to debris. They and other survivors ended up on a remote island, captured by Japanese soldiers and forced into a prison camp. The camp included Dutch nuns, Dutch and English civilians, and Australian nurses. The men were immediately separated from the women prisoners and interred in a different base. Norah's husband, ill with typhoid, was taken away. The women were moved from one camp to the next. These camps were filthy, disease-ridden, and lacked sufficient food and water. Conditions worsened, and punishments became more brutal when the Japanese guards knew they were losing the war.
The structure and flow of the story were choppy, and the narration was dialogue-heavy. Minor conversations covered some events without additional context. The narration was by telling rather than showing through basic, rudimentary dialogues.
I admired that the author based her characters on real people for us to get to know them so they would be remembered. There is a list at the book's end detailing what is known about the actual characters who form the basis of the story. Learning how the women banded together in sisterhood, sharing, nursing, and caring for one another with encouraging words or hope is uplifting. The survivors of the ship disaster had only the clothes on their backs, while others had money and suitcases full of clothing. This divided the prisoners into have and have-not groups. Petticoats were torn to provide bandages. When a food vendor was allowed into camp to sell healthy food, some could not purchase the much-needed food without the help of others.
The women raised spirits through music concerts, a voice orchestra and a newspaper. I became bored with all the lengthy descriptions of the music. At one point, everyone was sad and mourning the death of a woman who had never been mentioned before, so there was no emotional connection.
Having watched the wonderful TENKO on TV years ago and read about some POW camps, I found a few things hard to believe, such as prisoners cutting the grass with scissors and knives. I wonder if the frequent confrontations with the camp commanders about rule changes and the defying of guards would result in punishment. I wanted more description of the camps and the surrounding Sumatran jungle.
Norah and Nesta became the two main characters. Norah was an English musician, and Nesta was an Australian nurse. They were similar in words and actions, and it wasn't easy to distinguish them. Both women were dedicated to caring for others, raising hope and morale, and volunteering for the most unpleasant jobs. Too many background character names detracted from Norah's and Nesta's stories and caused me to fail to connect with the individuals on an emotional level. As they were moved from camp to camp, new names for camp captains and guards were added. There was never a lack of volunteers to do the filthiest jobs, such as cleaning sewage drains, clearing well bottoms, and patching the roof. Four women volunteered as 'comfort women' for the guards so their companions would be left alone and not harassed or punished.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Despite my misgivings, I will watch for the author's next book. October 24 is the date of publication.
November 4, 2023
I am in really bad head space right now so
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris did nothing for me. I am so bummed. I enjoyed her other 2 books. I can hardly tell anyone what this was about. The reviews are excellent. Perhaps I will re-read one day.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris did nothing for me. I am so bummed. I enjoyed her other 2 books. I can hardly tell anyone what this was about. The reviews are excellent. Perhaps I will re-read one day.
August 17, 2023
Firstly, I have loved Heather Morris' previous books. I love the way she sheds light on lesser known stories of major historical events. While I enjoyed her last 3 books, this one was very hard for me to read. I'm not sure if it was the diverting from Europe to Asia, or the fact that I have issues with Japanese POW camps, but this book was not good to me.
While I know I got to read an ARC, I found the format of this book to be very off. Disreguarding the many (MANY) spelling, grammatical and editing errors, the format made me feel really disconnected. The chapters are long, but they are broken up in to so many mini paragraphs I found it really hard to keep track of who's POV it was and what was going on. I also just didn't connect with any of the characters, not particularly liking anyone so not being overly worried about what happened to them. Did I do a huge Wiki spiral into all the women and events? Hell yeah! But that's the only reason I kept reading, was just to get more of that historical knowledge; not because I was particularly enjoying the story.
Am a little disappointed with the book overall, but can't help but appreciate the effort it must have taken to bring this story to light, and showcase the strength and resilience of these wonderful women. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC
While I know I got to read an ARC, I found the format of this book to be very off. Disreguarding the many (MANY) spelling, grammatical and editing errors, the format made me feel really disconnected. The chapters are long, but they are broken up in to so many mini paragraphs I found it really hard to keep track of who's POV it was and what was going on. I also just didn't connect with any of the characters, not particularly liking anyone so not being overly worried about what happened to them. Did I do a huge Wiki spiral into all the women and events? Hell yeah! But that's the only reason I kept reading, was just to get more of that historical knowledge; not because I was particularly enjoying the story.
Am a little disappointed with the book overall, but can't help but appreciate the effort it must have taken to bring this story to light, and showcase the strength and resilience of these wonderful women. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC
August 19, 2023
Sisters Under The Rising Sun is the fourth novel by New Zealand-born Australian author, Heather Morris. In early 1942, as the Japanese attack Singapore, English musician Norah Chambers, her husband John and her younger sister, Ena board the HMS Vyner Brooke hoping to escape to safety. Norah’s daughter Sally has been sent on earlier with their older sister.
Much as they would like to stay behind to provide help that will surely be needed, Sister Nesta James and her group of Australian Army Nurses is ordered to evacuate from Singapore on the Vyner Brooke. Neither group has any idea that their ship will be sunk, they will soon be washed up on the Sumatran coast and spend three years and seven months as prisoners of the Japanese.
During that time, along with hundreds of other internees including Dutch nuns and Dutch and English civilians, they are separated from their men folk and endure starvation rations, and a severe lack of fresh water and medical supplies. They are subject to violence, physical and mental torture; some are used for the Japanese Officers’ sexual gratification; they are made to move camp several times at short notice; Red Cross parcels and mail are withheld from them; one witnesses a massacre.
Amidst all this hardship, these women form a sisterhood, mostly cooperating and sharing what they have; they boost their morale with a camp newspaper, with singing, and concerts with their voice orchestra. They show kindness and care, and form firm friendships.
Morris states that she tells this story, overlooked by history, so that the women will be known in order to be remembered. It’s an ambitious project, with a large cast of characters, some of whom only get a single mention, but she does share their fates, where known, in the author’s notes.
The narrative is from the perspectives of Norah and Nesta, but it feels remote rather than personal, like scenes being watch from a train window in passing. Given that the original stories must have been related second- or third-hand perhaps this is understandable, but makes it difficult to feel much connection with the protagonists. A rendition of the amazing women and children who survived the brutal Japanese POW camps during World War II that is more matter-of-fact than emotional.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Echo Publishing.
Much as they would like to stay behind to provide help that will surely be needed, Sister Nesta James and her group of Australian Army Nurses is ordered to evacuate from Singapore on the Vyner Brooke. Neither group has any idea that their ship will be sunk, they will soon be washed up on the Sumatran coast and spend three years and seven months as prisoners of the Japanese.
During that time, along with hundreds of other internees including Dutch nuns and Dutch and English civilians, they are separated from their men folk and endure starvation rations, and a severe lack of fresh water and medical supplies. They are subject to violence, physical and mental torture; some are used for the Japanese Officers’ sexual gratification; they are made to move camp several times at short notice; Red Cross parcels and mail are withheld from them; one witnesses a massacre.
Amidst all this hardship, these women form a sisterhood, mostly cooperating and sharing what they have; they boost their morale with a camp newspaper, with singing, and concerts with their voice orchestra. They show kindness and care, and form firm friendships.
Morris states that she tells this story, overlooked by history, so that the women will be known in order to be remembered. It’s an ambitious project, with a large cast of characters, some of whom only get a single mention, but she does share their fates, where known, in the author’s notes.
The narrative is from the perspectives of Norah and Nesta, but it feels remote rather than personal, like scenes being watch from a train window in passing. Given that the original stories must have been related second- or third-hand perhaps this is understandable, but makes it difficult to feel much connection with the protagonists. A rendition of the amazing women and children who survived the brutal Japanese POW camps during World War II that is more matter-of-fact than emotional.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and Echo Publishing.
October 24, 2023
The Sisters Under the Rising Sun, is a beautiful tribute to the women who suffered in Japanese prison camps on the Indonesian islands during WW2.
I have read three of Heather Morris’ books and loved them all. She has a way of introducing her characters to you so that you can see them in your mind. As if you are right there, watching the story unfold.
Laura Carmichael, the narrator, does a fabulous job of bringing raw emotion to the voices in this story. I was moved to tears many times during this book. It was uplifting to hear how the sisters selflessly bore one another’s burdens even during the most bleak circumstances. I will not give away any spoilers but I will say that a group of women find a way to bring a bit of joy to the camp and it is a truly marvelous surprise!!
It was an honor to listen to this incredible book! I am so grateful to Heather Morris for spending the time to interview the descendants of the prisoners, do hours of research and finally write this book! I’m glad that the story of these sisters’ lives has been told. This is an absolute must read!!!
The end of the audiobook includes a moving note from the author and an afterwards.
Many thanks to Heather Morris and Macmillian Audio from St. Martins press for the ARC via NetGalley!!
I have read three of Heather Morris’ books and loved them all. She has a way of introducing her characters to you so that you can see them in your mind. As if you are right there, watching the story unfold.
Laura Carmichael, the narrator, does a fabulous job of bringing raw emotion to the voices in this story. I was moved to tears many times during this book. It was uplifting to hear how the sisters selflessly bore one another’s burdens even during the most bleak circumstances. I will not give away any spoilers but I will say that a group of women find a way to bring a bit of joy to the camp and it is a truly marvelous surprise!!
It was an honor to listen to this incredible book! I am so grateful to Heather Morris for spending the time to interview the descendants of the prisoners, do hours of research and finally write this book! I’m glad that the story of these sisters’ lives has been told. This is an absolute must read!!!
The end of the audiobook includes a moving note from the author and an afterwards.
Many thanks to Heather Morris and Macmillian Audio from St. Martins press for the ARC via NetGalley!!
August 24, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 24, 2023
Heather Morris’ “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Three Sisters” were two of the most emotionally charged, powerful and fascinating World War two novels I’ve read in some time, and continue to be two of my favourite World War Two fiction novels to date. When “Sisters Under the Rising Sun”, Morris’ new release, was offered to me, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
Norah Chambers is a musician who sends her eight-year-old daughter, Sally, across the ocean to live with relatives in order to avoid the incoming horror threatened by the Japanese as they slowly make their way down the Pacific. Sister Nesta James, and a few of her fellow nuns and nurses, have been called to the front lines to help, but when Nesta’s boat is bombed, Nesta, Norah and the rest of the survivors spent forty-eight hours at sea before they make their way to a remote island. Here, all of the women and men are separated, and for the next three years, Norah, Nesta and the rest of the women survivors, find themselves POWs under Japan’s rule, desperately trying to survive in deplorable conditions.
“Rising Sun” portrays a unique perspective from Morris’ other novels, depicting POWs taken by the Japanese mid-World War Two. This was an informative take, as there are not many historical fiction novels that highlight the treatment of POWs by the Japanese soldiers, and this portrayal was both emotional and provocative. Of course, in typical Morris fashion, she builds her characters from real-life personalities, to add those little extra components of character development and realism to the plot.
Although Norah, her sister, Ena, Nesta and all of the other brave women, nuns, nurses, or otherwise, deserve full recognition and applause, the writing style of this novel was not at all like Morris’ other novels. “Rising Sun” was written so differently, in fact, I was left wondering if it was written by someone else, and Morris agreed to put her name to it, or if perhaps it had been written in another language and translated to English. “Sun” is very dialogue-driven and character heavy, in such a way that the entire novel is written as a conversation between the women. The setting, outside of their location, is barely detailed, and even some of the plot points are glossed over, covered only in minor conversational detail. I found it really difficult to become invested in the characters or the outcome, and if it wasn’t for the outright respect I had for these wonderful human beings, I probably would’ve stopped reading altogether.
The novel is divided into three parts, and Norah and Nesta take turns narrating each chapter. This incredible story had so much potential, and Morris would have been the perfect choice to write it based on her previous works, but something missed the mark with me. I will be shaking this one off and moving on, but I have not yet given up on Morris and look forward to where she will take me next.
Expected publication date: October 24, 2023
Heather Morris’ “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Three Sisters” were two of the most emotionally charged, powerful and fascinating World War two novels I’ve read in some time, and continue to be two of my favourite World War Two fiction novels to date. When “Sisters Under the Rising Sun”, Morris’ new release, was offered to me, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
Norah Chambers is a musician who sends her eight-year-old daughter, Sally, across the ocean to live with relatives in order to avoid the incoming horror threatened by the Japanese as they slowly make their way down the Pacific. Sister Nesta James, and a few of her fellow nuns and nurses, have been called to the front lines to help, but when Nesta’s boat is bombed, Nesta, Norah and the rest of the survivors spent forty-eight hours at sea before they make their way to a remote island. Here, all of the women and men are separated, and for the next three years, Norah, Nesta and the rest of the women survivors, find themselves POWs under Japan’s rule, desperately trying to survive in deplorable conditions.
“Rising Sun” portrays a unique perspective from Morris’ other novels, depicting POWs taken by the Japanese mid-World War Two. This was an informative take, as there are not many historical fiction novels that highlight the treatment of POWs by the Japanese soldiers, and this portrayal was both emotional and provocative. Of course, in typical Morris fashion, she builds her characters from real-life personalities, to add those little extra components of character development and realism to the plot.
Although Norah, her sister, Ena, Nesta and all of the other brave women, nuns, nurses, or otherwise, deserve full recognition and applause, the writing style of this novel was not at all like Morris’ other novels. “Rising Sun” was written so differently, in fact, I was left wondering if it was written by someone else, and Morris agreed to put her name to it, or if perhaps it had been written in another language and translated to English. “Sun” is very dialogue-driven and character heavy, in such a way that the entire novel is written as a conversation between the women. The setting, outside of their location, is barely detailed, and even some of the plot points are glossed over, covered only in minor conversational detail. I found it really difficult to become invested in the characters or the outcome, and if it wasn’t for the outright respect I had for these wonderful human beings, I probably would’ve stopped reading altogether.
The novel is divided into three parts, and Norah and Nesta take turns narrating each chapter. This incredible story had so much potential, and Morris would have been the perfect choice to write it based on her previous works, but something missed the mark with me. I will be shaking this one off and moving on, but I have not yet given up on Morris and look forward to where she will take me next.
October 15, 2023
As a fan of historical fiction and a frequent reader of WWII novels I was drawn to this book because it offered a unique perspective on that time period. I also really liked this author's previous three book series, starting with The Tattooist of Auschwitz. And, I loved the stunning artistic illustration on the cover of this book.
Central to this story is the survival of a group of British, Australian, Dutch, and American women who were taken captive by the Japanese in the Pacific arena during WWII and the evacuation of Singapore. They were held as POWs for over three and a half years in brutal prison camps. During their incarceration they drew on their inner reserves of courage and fortitude in order to withstand hunger, degradation, and illness. The most important attributes of these brave and resilient women were optimism, camaraderie, and a positive attitude.
I truly expected to enjoy this book much more than I did. Many, many stories must have turned up during the research for this book; important stories that needed to be told. However, in bearing witness to this atrocious period of the war and attempting to cover the numerous lives and stories of these indomitable women, the narrative seemed to juggle the truth with the thread of fiction throughout the story, leading to a lack of fluidity and focus at times. I felt that the way that the different scenes played out in each chapter gave a choppy feeling to the story, as well as insufficient depth to the characters and the places they inhabited.
On the other hand, the author's notes at the end of the book covering the information about the lives of many of the main characters and what happened to them before and after the war was fascinating and greatly appreciated.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Central to this story is the survival of a group of British, Australian, Dutch, and American women who were taken captive by the Japanese in the Pacific arena during WWII and the evacuation of Singapore. They were held as POWs for over three and a half years in brutal prison camps. During their incarceration they drew on their inner reserves of courage and fortitude in order to withstand hunger, degradation, and illness. The most important attributes of these brave and resilient women were optimism, camaraderie, and a positive attitude.
I truly expected to enjoy this book much more than I did. Many, many stories must have turned up during the research for this book; important stories that needed to be told. However, in bearing witness to this atrocious period of the war and attempting to cover the numerous lives and stories of these indomitable women, the narrative seemed to juggle the truth with the thread of fiction throughout the story, leading to a lack of fluidity and focus at times. I felt that the way that the different scenes played out in each chapter gave a choppy feeling to the story, as well as insufficient depth to the characters and the places they inhabited.
On the other hand, the author's notes at the end of the book covering the information about the lives of many of the main characters and what happened to them before and after the war was fascinating and greatly appreciated.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 13, 2024
*Harrowing*
This is a book that I found hard to digest. This is my first Heather Morris book and definitely not the type of book that I could race through. Although I had a rough idea of the contents it makes it hard to think this was based on a true story.
The Author adds an introduction at the beginning and I recommend adding the audio.
This is about many women and a lot of them were nurses who are captured and imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp. A lot of them who made the journey did not survive and the horrific and terrible conditions they were forced to endure was barbaric. The lack of food and basic things made me want to weep.
This is a story of bravery, determination and strength in the midst of what they went through they soldiered on. One thing that kept them going was Norah Chambers. She was a musician and with no instruments she developed a voice orchestra. On the audiobook there are recordings performed by the Sydney Women’s Vocal Orchestra . This orchestra bought to life what the women clung to and the hope they felt through the power of music.
The Author’s note is worth listening to as there are times when her voice breaks. One thing that moved me is the way the author says
“I did not write this story so the women would be remembered, she told it so that they would be known” she also goes on to say “How can you be remembered if you’ve never been heard of”
This is a book that I found hard to digest. This is my first Heather Morris book and definitely not the type of book that I could race through. Although I had a rough idea of the contents it makes it hard to think this was based on a true story.
The Author adds an introduction at the beginning and I recommend adding the audio.
This is about many women and a lot of them were nurses who are captured and imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp. A lot of them who made the journey did not survive and the horrific and terrible conditions they were forced to endure was barbaric. The lack of food and basic things made me want to weep.
This is a story of bravery, determination and strength in the midst of what they went through they soldiered on. One thing that kept them going was Norah Chambers. She was a musician and with no instruments she developed a voice orchestra. On the audiobook there are recordings performed by the Sydney Women’s Vocal Orchestra . This orchestra bought to life what the women clung to and the hope they felt through the power of music.
The Author’s note is worth listening to as there are times when her voice breaks. One thing that moved me is the way the author says
“I did not write this story so the women would be remembered, she told it so that they would be known” she also goes on to say “How can you be remembered if you’ve never been heard of”
January 29, 2024
True accounts during WWII a group of women are held captive by the Japanese Army in the jungle of Sumatra for over 3 1/2 years. During their time there they endure being beaten, starved, sick, exhausted, but are survivors. Somehow they find their courage, resourcefulness, friendships, hopefulness, and a gift of music to uplift them.
December 17, 2023
I was honored to have the publisher offer me an early copy through NetGalley, but due to the length of it I waited for the audiobook to become available. Good choice since the audiobook had some really beautiful choral renditions. The chorus was formed in a Japanese prison camp for women, which included some nurses and sisters who were captured while escaping Singapore in 1942. The women were at the mercy of their captors but still had the wherewithal to fathom some truly creative ways to pass the time and keep their sanity. The story is inspiring. The Epilogue gave me a big ole lump in my throat.
Based on real women and their experiences over 3+ years in the camp. Real heroines now gone - bravo to them.
Based on real women and their experiences over 3+ years in the camp. Real heroines now gone - bravo to them.
February 3, 2025
4,5
Vuelve Heather Norris y Vuelve con otra historia basada en hechos reales, otra historia de superación y otra historia de mujeres fuertes que bien poco se conoce y que considero necesario que haya novelas de este tipo para que no queden en el olvido.
En este caso, la historia comienza en febrero de 1942, cuando un barco transporta a un grupo de personas que huyen de Singapur, por desgracia este barco es bombardeado por los japoneses y muchas de estas personas mueren en el instante.
Aunque muchos sabían lo que se jugaban al partir en ese barco, no tenían otra solución. En ese barco iba un grupo de enfermeras australianas y una familia ( y aunque había mas supervivientes la historia se centra y gira en torno a ellas), tanto las australianas como esta familia, fueron tomadas como prisioneras para trasladarlas a campos de concentración. Y no fueron pocos por los que pasaron…
A lo largo de la historia irán pasando los años, e iremos viendo como luchan por sobrevivir, ante la brutalidad de los japoneses que solo las querían para que fueran sus mujeres, veremos como sin conocerse de nada unen lazos para poder sobrevivir ante el hambre, el clima…
Ha sido una historia que he disfrutado mucho, y aunque hay otras novelas de la autora que son mas crueles, y en esta no se mete en tanto detalle, veremos lo duro que fue, como los japoneses trataban a las mujeres…
Aunque los capítulos son bastante largos, la forma de escribir de la autora tan ágil hace que te metas de lleno en la historia y lo leas en un suspiro. Me ha encantado el final, tanto que me ha sacado alguna lagrima, me ha gustado como la autora dedica unas cuantas paginas para contar que fue de aquellas mujeres después de que acabo todo, las entrevistas a familiares de algunas de ellas, la imágenes que incluye…
Si no has leído nada de la autora, y quieres leer algo sobre este momento histórico, Heather es un acierto seguro, en todas encontraras hechos reales, en todas tendrás mujeres fuertes, y una buena documentación.
Vuelve Heather Norris y Vuelve con otra historia basada en hechos reales, otra historia de superación y otra historia de mujeres fuertes que bien poco se conoce y que considero necesario que haya novelas de este tipo para que no queden en el olvido.
En este caso, la historia comienza en febrero de 1942, cuando un barco transporta a un grupo de personas que huyen de Singapur, por desgracia este barco es bombardeado por los japoneses y muchas de estas personas mueren en el instante.
Aunque muchos sabían lo que se jugaban al partir en ese barco, no tenían otra solución. En ese barco iba un grupo de enfermeras australianas y una familia ( y aunque había mas supervivientes la historia se centra y gira en torno a ellas), tanto las australianas como esta familia, fueron tomadas como prisioneras para trasladarlas a campos de concentración. Y no fueron pocos por los que pasaron…
A lo largo de la historia irán pasando los años, e iremos viendo como luchan por sobrevivir, ante la brutalidad de los japoneses que solo las querían para que fueran sus mujeres, veremos como sin conocerse de nada unen lazos para poder sobrevivir ante el hambre, el clima…
Ha sido una historia que he disfrutado mucho, y aunque hay otras novelas de la autora que son mas crueles, y en esta no se mete en tanto detalle, veremos lo duro que fue, como los japoneses trataban a las mujeres…
Aunque los capítulos son bastante largos, la forma de escribir de la autora tan ágil hace que te metas de lleno en la historia y lo leas en un suspiro. Me ha encantado el final, tanto que me ha sacado alguna lagrima, me ha gustado como la autora dedica unas cuantas paginas para contar que fue de aquellas mujeres después de que acabo todo, las entrevistas a familiares de algunas de ellas, la imágenes que incluye…
Si no has leído nada de la autora, y quieres leer algo sobre este momento histórico, Heather es un acierto seguro, en todas encontraras hechos reales, en todas tendrás mujeres fuertes, y una buena documentación.
September 25, 2023
I have loved all of Heather Morris’s previous books and was incredibly excited to be gifted an advanced copy of her latest book. However, it fell flat for me.
This book could best be described as chaotic. It starts off quickly with a lot of characters but very little background info on any of them. It was hard to distinguish the characters from one another because there was very little character development in this book. I just found I was struggling to want to pick it up and read because I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. The POV would switch mid chapter and that felt very disjointed as well.
The pace was SLOW. I wish I could have switched to audio and listened at 2x speed just to get through it. I kept starting other books and forcing myself to read a chapter here and there of this book in order to provide a review for netgalley.
I do not recommend this one- even if you liked her previous books. I DNF at 40%. I just couldn’t make myself read anymore of it.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book could best be described as chaotic. It starts off quickly with a lot of characters but very little background info on any of them. It was hard to distinguish the characters from one another because there was very little character development in this book. I just found I was struggling to want to pick it up and read because I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. The POV would switch mid chapter and that felt very disjointed as well.
The pace was SLOW. I wish I could have switched to audio and listened at 2x speed just to get through it. I kept starting other books and forcing myself to read a chapter here and there of this book in order to provide a review for netgalley.
I do not recommend this one- even if you liked her previous books. I DNF at 40%. I just couldn’t make myself read anymore of it.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2024
The passengers of the Vyner Brooke are pitched from the frying pan to the fire when the ship upon which they have been fleeing the Japanese invasion of Singapore is sunk off the shores of Indonesia. The women and children, musician Norah Chambers and nurse Nesta James among them, must survive in jungle camps until the end of the war.
I am continuing my informal journey through the Pacific theatre of World War 2 with Sisters Under the Rising Sun, which chronicles the lives of a group of British, Australian, and Dutch women living as internees during World War Two. The author is Heather Morris, who I did not realize until later is the writer of those bestselling (and somewhat infamous) chronicles of life at Auschwitz.
It wasn't until I started reading the book that I realized how heavily the author was drawing on history - all the women were real people, and pretty much all the incidents that happened to them were true. Considering I'd never heard of Norah, Nesta, Margaret, or the others, it was amazing to learn about this little corner of WW2 history. I also appreciated the author's notes in which we learned more about the broader situation the women were in, and what happened to them afterward.
However, I did feel like the writing was a little emotionally shallow, which made it hard to really get invested. The narration takes a third-person omniscient perspective, which might be why I felt unable to get inside the heads of the characters or really feel their suffering and their triumphs. I also wished we got more of the perspective of the Dutch and Chinese women who were being interned at the camp too, to get a broader feel for the camps.
I read the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Laura Carmichael. She did an excellent job, making it easy to distinguish between the voices of the simply enormous cast of women, and adding emotion and levity to her narration where the book calls for it. I was also very pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of performances by the Sydney Women's Vocal Orchestra throughout the book. With music being such an important component of the story, to be able to hear what the women might have all those years ago at the camp concerts really immersed me in the book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I am continuing my informal journey through the Pacific theatre of World War 2 with Sisters Under the Rising Sun, which chronicles the lives of a group of British, Australian, and Dutch women living as internees during World War Two. The author is Heather Morris, who I did not realize until later is the writer of those bestselling (and somewhat infamous) chronicles of life at Auschwitz.
It wasn't until I started reading the book that I realized how heavily the author was drawing on history - all the women were real people, and pretty much all the incidents that happened to them were true. Considering I'd never heard of Norah, Nesta, Margaret, or the others, it was amazing to learn about this little corner of WW2 history. I also appreciated the author's notes in which we learned more about the broader situation the women were in, and what happened to them afterward.
However, I did feel like the writing was a little emotionally shallow, which made it hard to really get invested. The narration takes a third-person omniscient perspective, which might be why I felt unable to get inside the heads of the characters or really feel their suffering and their triumphs. I also wished we got more of the perspective of the Dutch and Chinese women who were being interned at the camp too, to get a broader feel for the camps.
I read the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Laura Carmichael. She did an excellent job, making it easy to distinguish between the voices of the simply enormous cast of women, and adding emotion and levity to her narration where the book calls for it. I was also very pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of performances by the Sydney Women's Vocal Orchestra throughout the book. With music being such an important component of the story, to be able to hear what the women might have all those years ago at the camp concerts really immersed me in the book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 5, 2025
Aunque tenía muchas ganas de que esta novela me gustara, porque el tema me parecía interesante, lo cierto es que no logró engancharme y, en algunos momentos, incluso se me hizo cuesta arriba. La narración de la autora no terminó de convencerme, a pesar de que le puse mucho entusiasmo, ya que aborda un episodio histórico poco conocido que me interesaba muchísimo descubrir. La historia en sí me ha gustado, pero la ejecución no ha sido lo que esperaba.
Mi opinión en YouTube sin spoilers:
https://youtu.be/w-cu5iTY9Qk
Mi opinión en YouTube sin spoilers:
https://youtu.be/w-cu5iTY9Qk
August 11, 2025
3,5 estrellas
Me ha gustado mucho el hecho histórico y la ambientación, pero los personajes, los diálogos, la narración en sí me ha parecido sosa y sin profundidad, más allá de lo interesante delos campos de prisioneros de los japoneses y las prisioneras de guerra…
Me ha gustado mucho el hecho histórico y la ambientación, pero los personajes, los diálogos, la narración en sí me ha parecido sosa y sin profundidad, más allá de lo interesante delos campos de prisioneros de los japoneses y las prisioneras de guerra…
April 28, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🪖Having just waved goodbye to Anzac Day 2024, I thought it was high time I read a gifted review copy of Sisters under the Rising Sun from the team at Echo Publishing. Released in October 2023, Heather Morris presents her audience with a moving tale of strength, hope and bravery in the toughest of circumstances. Sisters under the Rising Sun is a touching tribute to a group of nurses who found themselves in the fight of their life as they did their very best to serve in the Second World War.
🪖Heather Morris is well known across the globe for her work in retelling stories of individuals who fought against the odds to survive in times of war. Sisters under the Rising Sun takes the lens away from a single source and looks at a wider cast set involved in a time of great challenge which involves a huge test of their will to survive, as well as protect others. Set in the Second World War, we follow a band of nurses as they forge on with their care on the British colony of Singapore, through to their ill-fated trip on a cargo ship that sinks near Indonesia. Captured by Japanese military forces, the women then face the brutality of the POW camps. It is only music and their strong friendships that pull them through. The music element was definitely an uplifting and surprising part of this tale as I had read a precious book last year based around this regrettable chapter of war history.
🪖It's important that we continue to cycle through and project the kind of stories featured Sisters under the Rising Sun. It is definitely a reminder at this time of the year in particular that these forgotten, lost, or even hidden women’s histories should be resurrected at a pivotal time of remembrance. For me, having just completed a teaching unit with my students on Friday on the importance of ANZAC day, I felt this book was well placed on my reading agenda. Harrowing but also uplifting in places, with a good body of research backing it, I appreciated this timely read.
🙏Thank you to @echopublishing for the #gifted copy.
🪖Having just waved goodbye to Anzac Day 2024, I thought it was high time I read a gifted review copy of Sisters under the Rising Sun from the team at Echo Publishing. Released in October 2023, Heather Morris presents her audience with a moving tale of strength, hope and bravery in the toughest of circumstances. Sisters under the Rising Sun is a touching tribute to a group of nurses who found themselves in the fight of their life as they did their very best to serve in the Second World War.
🪖Heather Morris is well known across the globe for her work in retelling stories of individuals who fought against the odds to survive in times of war. Sisters under the Rising Sun takes the lens away from a single source and looks at a wider cast set involved in a time of great challenge which involves a huge test of their will to survive, as well as protect others. Set in the Second World War, we follow a band of nurses as they forge on with their care on the British colony of Singapore, through to their ill-fated trip on a cargo ship that sinks near Indonesia. Captured by Japanese military forces, the women then face the brutality of the POW camps. It is only music and their strong friendships that pull them through. The music element was definitely an uplifting and surprising part of this tale as I had read a precious book last year based around this regrettable chapter of war history.
🪖It's important that we continue to cycle through and project the kind of stories featured Sisters under the Rising Sun. It is definitely a reminder at this time of the year in particular that these forgotten, lost, or even hidden women’s histories should be resurrected at a pivotal time of remembrance. For me, having just completed a teaching unit with my students on Friday on the importance of ANZAC day, I felt this book was well placed on my reading agenda. Harrowing but also uplifting in places, with a good body of research backing it, I appreciated this timely read.
🙏Thank you to @echopublishing for the #gifted copy.
November 5, 2023
Having children sent away, being on a boat sunk by the Japanese, taken prisoner, and living without decent health care or food is where we meet all those who survived from the Vyner Brooke merchant ship and others as they endure the hardships in a Japanese POW camp.
The main characters were nurses who tried to keep the residents healthy and spirits up.
The nurses were the saving grace for everyone because of their resilience and positive attitudes.
They started a voice orchestra, put on plays, and did anything to keep the boredom and despair at bay.
You will love Nurse Nesta and her crew of lovely ladies.
SISTERS UNDER THE RISING SUN is based on true events and real women.
Heather Morris brings to life another WWII book telling us of the survival of women being prisoners of war. I had never heard of these sisters, their imprisonment, nor this POW camp.
You will cheer on the women when they defy their captors and feel every emotion they are feeling.
I enjoyed her other books more, but this is still a good read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The main characters were nurses who tried to keep the residents healthy and spirits up.
The nurses were the saving grace for everyone because of their resilience and positive attitudes.
They started a voice orchestra, put on plays, and did anything to keep the boredom and despair at bay.
You will love Nurse Nesta and her crew of lovely ladies.
SISTERS UNDER THE RISING SUN is based on true events and real women.
Heather Morris brings to life another WWII book telling us of the survival of women being prisoners of war. I had never heard of these sisters, their imprisonment, nor this POW camp.
You will cheer on the women when they defy their captors and feel every emotion they are feeling.
I enjoyed her other books more, but this is still a good read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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