Heather Morris has done it again! Her stories immerse the reader into the character’s lives as well as the times they live in. Sisters Under the Rising Sun shares the horrific experiences of several groups of women captured by the Japanese during WWII after their ships were sunk. Their spirit and desire to live overcame tremendous obstacles…fed very little vermin infested food, having to find their own source of limited water, made to perform difficult manual labor tasks, the beatings by the guards, provided with no medical supplies, the endless moves to “new interment camps” … the obstacles seemed endless and many would have given up but these women used music to bond them together. Their perseverance was absolutely incredible and deeply moved me. While many did not survive their Three and a half years under these extremely debilitating circumstances I came to admire and then love these women, Nesta, Norah, Ena, “Inchie”, Betty, Bulwinkle and so many more amazing women.
Knowing that much of this was based on real women made it that much more heartbreaking.
The passages about the concerts were so very moving and inspirational.
Thank you Heather Morris for sharing the resilience of these heroic women. Many many thanks to Heather Morris, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for affording me the amazing opportunity to read an arc of this incredible just published read.

This story is based on a true story. It is about the Vyner Brook Tragedy. The Vyner Brook was a merchant ship. It was carrying evacuees from Singapore when the Japanese Air Force hit the ship and sunk it. The survivors of the sinking ultimately swam to a remote island and were captured by Japanese soldiers. The book is the story of how the survivors endured prisoner of war camps run by the Japanese. This was a novel that was well researched, with well developed characters. I have read many books about the WWII in Europe, but very little about the war in the Pacific. What an eye opener for me. Highly recommended. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the words 'Tenko' about a third of the way through this book I suddenly remembered why the story of internees from Singapore of English and Australian women during WW2 sounded so familiar. It was from the British TV show TENKO from the 1980s. I watched that program avidly with my mum, horrified by the treatment of the women and children.
The women and children in 'Sisters Under the Rising Sun' are actual people who lived through three years and seven months of captivity in camps not fit for humans in Indonesia. Their resilience and ability to find joy and humour in such heartbreaking conditions were touching to read. Heather Morris took on the mantel of these women's tales with warmth and respect. She didn't just write 300 pages of woe and horror, because that isn't how women react to things. The stories of how the women overcame hunger, lack of basic rights, tropical weather, and fear, to find small things to build morale were phenomenal. This book shows what humans are capable of; the brutality of the captors and the strength of the captives. I am so glad these stories will live on and new generations will read about these extraordinary women.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Title: Sisters Under the Rising Sun
Author: Heather Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: October 24, 2023

I received a complimentary finished and eARC copies of this book from St. Martin's Press, as well as ALC from Macmillan audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad

T H R E E • W O R D S

Harrowing • Inspirational • Valuable

📖 S Y N O P S I S

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.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I had previously read and enjoyed Heather Morris' other novels, and while I understand there is controversy surrounding them, I still appreciate her brining to life WWII stories and consider her worth reading. Her newest release Sisters Under the Rising Sun explores Japanese prisoner-of-war camps from a female perspective. I've read books from the male POW perspective, but this was the first from a female perspective..

The strong and resilient woman in this story were created based off the stories of women who lived and survived the Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. These women lived through horrific situations, yet the real focus of this book is on their characters, their unbroken spirits, and the friendships that blossomed.

Unfortunately, the easy-to-read writing style lacked the deeply personal level of emotion I'd been anticipating. There are so many characters that it didn't allow me as the reader to really get to know any of them that well. Additionally, because the timeline spans 3.5 years in such a short amount of time, it's no surprise I didn't get the depth I really wanted. It's certainly emotional, but I wanted so much more.

The audiobook, narrated by Laura Carmichael, is incredibly well done. The voice characterization of each woman is distinct. As music plays a significant role throughout the story, I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the Sydney Women's Vocal Orchestra performing the prison songs that helped uplift the POWs. It was this level of personal connection I'd been craving throughout the entire book.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the absolutely stunning cover artwork. Just wow! As well, the extras - including an author's note detailing where she drew her inspiration from, a bibliography for further reading, excerpts from family members of which some of the characters were based, and a collection of photographs - at the end of the book added value to the story that wouldn't have been there without them.

Overall, an incredible story of women during the war that needs to be told, yet lacking the real emotional depth and connection I desperately wanted. While not my favourite of her books, the immense research that went into creating this novel is eye-opening and I'll definitely be interested in what story she chooses to tell next.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of the female perspective historical fiction
• WWII historical fiction enthusiasts

⚠️ CW: war, genocide, violence, gun violence, physical abuse, torture, confinement, blood, injury/injury detail, medical trauma, death, drowning, grief

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"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. How can you be remembered if you've never been heard of? Their stories should stand alongside those of all male poisoners of war, their sufferings no less; their courage to care for their fellow sisters who perished and their own survival should be acknowledged and honored."

I've read a couple of this author's books and wept through them as I did a lot of this one.

A ship is downed and all aboard have to do their best to swim, float on wood, or possibly in life boats. Two sisters, Norah and Ena, and Norah's husband John are on the Vyner Brooke merchant ship along with many others fleeing their country. They are no longer safe. Norah and John had sent their daughter away with her aunt. To be safe. When they are taken prisoner by the Japanese their lives will never be the same. All the things that happen to them and others are so horrible.

You meet the nurses from Australia also. This story is about them and what all they did to help everyone in this POW camp. Sister Nesta James who is in charge of the nurses is a force to be dealt with. You get to know her. You will admire her and look up to her even though she is only a bit over four feet tall. Her and Norah become the best of friends and help each other many times.

Though there are no gas chambers where these women are many die. When the nurses start dying it's so heartbreaking. They are not even suppose to be there. They are suppose to be protected in wartime. Nothing good comes from war. There is a lot going on. Starvation, sickness, friendships, loss. Such sadness.

You learn about a side of the war that you may not have read about. How the Japanese soldiers treated their prisoners. What they expected and what they would do if denied anything. To starve a group of human beings in such a way is horrifying. What happened in this story is so sad. And it's all true. It's not made up.

This book is well written and so well researched. It is about prisoners of war. How it can happen. It did happen. It should not have though.

Make sure you read the Author's Notes at the end. You learn so much about each of the key characters in this book. Each person who was in this horrible camp. What happened to them. It's very interesting.

This book will make you shed lots of tears. No way around that if you have a heart. But it's good. It's worth reading.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HeatherMorris, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

4.5 stars.

Sisters Under the Rising Sun is an unforgettable novel. Based on the true, but seldom told, stories of women held captive in Japanese POW camps during WWII. Many of the prisoners are Australian nurses (sisters) and there are also women and children. Every character is extraordinary in their positive attitude and determination to survive. Morris's two previous novels were Holocaust stories and this plot is just as sad and shocking. Yet it must be told and Morris does so in a dignified and captivating way. Morris has definitely honored these fascinating women with this incredible novel.

This is the 3rd book that I have read by this author. The other stories held me captivated and moved me as I heard these heart wrenching tales. This book did not grip me in the same way. I had a very hard time connecting with the characters. Although it was another sad story about the victims of war, I was pretty bored reading it. I did finish it and I was happy with the ending. Thank you for the advanced copy to read.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction books ... specifically those set during WWII. However, the fact that this one took place in the Pacific and focused on nurses who were held captive in a Japanese POW camp was a new one for me. This is not a light read. You will be appalled at the way the prisoners of war were treated. But the strength, dedication, and resilience the women demonstrated is nothing short of awesome. The fact that I listened to the audiobook version was a plus in that I was treated to the singing and orchestra voices of the chorus that some of the characters formed. The ability of these women to find joy amidst such horrible treatment was amazing. Though many did not survive the evil the Japanese army forced on them, the bond of sisterhood and family that they developed was touching. I appreciated the author’s willingness to introduce us to the characters of Nesta James, Betty Jeffrey, and Vivian Bullwinkel. I will not soon forget their story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

I was excited to read SISTERS UNDER THE RISING SUN as CILKA’S JOURNEY is my favorite Heather Morris book. The beginning had this reader totally drawn into the story with an evacuation from Singapore by the ship VYNER BROOKE. I could not imagine putting my little eight-year-old girl on the ship by herself trusting that others would take care of her. This little girl as well as many other characters are headed for safety in Australia. Unfortunately, the ship was hit and sunk. Passengers survived 24 hours in the water before reaching an island under Japanese control. I was thoroughly involved in the story.

The remainder of the book involves surviving the control of the Japanese in several camps. I was involved in the various stories that showed how the women survived by working together. I did feel that there was more “telling” than “showing” what happened.

I enjoyed reading the Author Notes at the end of the book and finding out information about the survivors. I am raising my rating from 3.5 stars to 4 stars due to the excellent author notes. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

This story is divided into three parts. Two of the main characters take turns narrating the chapters.
The story is about survival and friendships. What a horrific part of history. Parts of the book were very hard to read.
The story is based on real people which makes it even more gripping to read.
A powerful, well written and moving story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Heather Morris is a master of rendering heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction and this is no exception. Terrible atrocities committed by the Japanese are exemplified and the survivors, all true heroes, come alive on these pages. It was difficult to read at certain points but us a story that most definitely needed to be told.

This is the fourth Heather Morris book I have read. This book like the others I have read is very Impactful and will leave you thinking about the characters long after you've finished the book. This book is well written but at times can be very hard to read due to the tragic nature of the story. Unfortunately that comes with the territory of being a historical fiction that is inspired by true events. Overall I enjoyed reading this book ⅘ stars. Thank you Netgalley for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

Captivating story of women captured and sent to POW camps by the Japanese in World War 2. This book told part of of an unknown (to me) story of these brave women struggling to survive while caring for others. There was a group of Australian Army nurses whose story and kinship was remarkable. Along with these nurses several other groups of broken families and a musician. They all helped inspire everyone to work together to survive in the different camps in the jungle.

It seemed like a well researched book and the author provided a good epilogue of the what happened to these women later in life. I agree with the author that the book isn't about remembering them it is about learning about them. One cannot remember if you never knew the story to begin with. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

Spellbinding! A gripping historical fiction, Sisters Under the Rising Sun (great title, by the way) is about sisters and their families, along with a group of Australian nurses, trying to escape from Singapore, only to have their ship bombed. Some in lifeboats but most swimming in the sea, they made it to a beach but were then taken captive by the Japanese during WWII. Separated from the men who survived, the women were taken to an internment camp, where they relied on each other to be strong and resilient to survive their captivity. Amazing to me, they woke up each day and rose up to make their environment livable and better for others within the camp. Together, they pulled on their talents, immediately with Sister Nesta James and the nurses setting up a hospital and caring for others while Norah and her sister encouraging others with their music to lift their spirits. Working together, Nesta and Norah become sisters as they deal with all the trials and tribulations of camp, with little food, harsh beatings, disease, sexual abuse, and never knowing day to day what would happened. And yet they had HOPE. This is a story of friendship, courage, and survival. This is the story of true people in history. I found it fascinating and yet heartbreaking. What special people they were to stay strong and survive. A different aspect of how the war affect civilians during WWII that we don't often hear about. I strongly recommend it. Many thanks to #netgalley #sistersundertherisingsun #heathermorris #stmartinspress for the opportunity to red and review this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my copy of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris in exchange for an honest review. It published October 24, 2023.
This is a worthy title to be shelved with other WWII novels, for sure. It has the same feel of ups and downs in the genre, and there are a lot of similarities, however, the fact that this was about real people, and not just a story sets it apart. Also the fact that it takes place in Asia, rather than Europe.

Phenomenal! Based on true events. Get ready to cry, be angry and shout with joy…10 Stars!
This is simply a must-read. Period. Told in three parts with 23 chapters and an epilogue. Many chapters are made up of a compilation of events that may be attributed to our principal characters as well as an amalgamation of other characters without names. Ms. Morris enjoys putting a face to a name so in the back will be pictures of several of the people mentioned in the story. This is a tragic journey of women who had to endure starvation, brutal punishment and degradation in an enemy prison camp in Indonesia during WWII. There is a significant difference between reading a novel that makes you cry and reading a book based on facts that makes you cry. There will be anger along with the sorrow, but also there will be moments of such pure joy. To share more of this story will not do it justice. To reiterate, this is a must-read. The blurb gives you a brief sketch of the hardships endured by these phenomenal women.
For those people who only know about the internment camps where the Japanese were held during WWII in the US, this will be an eye-opener. I was not aware that the Japanese harbored prison camps in Indonesia. Their camps did not allow the Red Cross to intervene on behalf of the prisoners, nor did they allow anyone to know they even existed. Our principal characters were all presumed dead until the Japanese surrender in 1945, more than three years after they had been captured! It is worth looking up the song written by Margaret Dryburgh with music composed by Norah Chambers: “Song of Survival: The Captives’ Hymn.” The version that I particularly like was sung by the UWF Singers of the University of West Florida found on YouTube.
This has been the absolute most awe-inspiring book that I have read this year. If you like reading non-fiction about people during modern war times, you will want to read this book. Get your tissues! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley.

Thank you to Net Galley for this advanced copy of Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris in exchange for a honest review.Having read Heather Morris’ other books that dealt with the Holocaust this book was a change of pace set in the Pacific but was equally gripping..Dealing with loss and extreme circumstances, the main characters are Nesta James an Australian Army nurse and Norah Chambers a woman musician who was fleeing Singapore with her husband and sister when their boat was torpedoed.Captured and sent to a remote island they are are forced to endure unimaginable circumstances by the Japanese troops.Norah and her sister form an orchestra to lift spirits and Nesta and her nurses are willing to suffer and go without so others can be saved.Based on true characters , this is truly a story of remarkable women whose bravery shone through during terrible times.

Heather Morris continues to tell the stories that need to be told, of people that need to be remembered. Like her Auschwitz books, she tells us of strong women during WW2 who survive horrific conditions. This time it's a ship full of women who were trying to get out of Singapore after the Japanese invaded, only to have their ship sink. They were then taken prisoner by the Japanese they were trying to escape. These 200+ women were starved, beaten, tortured, and some were even raped while they were forgotten by the rest of the world. They only were released after the atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered.
Heather Morris shares these women's story, as sad and painful as it is, so we can remember their sacrifice and their perseverance that got them through their own personal war. I personally didn't even know this tragedy happened, and I am so grateful to Morris to learn about these heroic women.

loved, loved this book! Very different for this author and loved how she explained from the nurses' point of view how the war affected them. Highly recommend this book to everyone

Readers who read novels based on historical events will be interested in this story. It's amazing how this group of women bonded together to endure the hardships of the camp. I felt the story was rather disjointed at times and rather matter of fact. I liked the author's note which provided much information.