theresey01's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
morgancpayne's review
5.0
Heather Morris has done it again! This was such a good read. I couldn't put it down! Nora and Nesta's stories are incredible and so worthy of being told. Heather Morris always handles difficult situations with such care, and this story is no different. I'm inspired, heartbroken and in awe of the women depicted in this story, as I knew I would be! I especially loved the historical section at the end that gave the real life history of many of the characters in the book. This story is full of courage, resilience and the power of friendships to get people through the darkest of times. I'm so grateful this story was told.
The audiobook was enchanting and so easy to get caught up in. The musical elements were wonderful and the narration was great!
If you loved Heather Morris's other work, you'll love this one too!
Thanks to Netgalley and Heather Morris for the advanced copy to review.
The audiobook was enchanting and so easy to get caught up in. The musical elements were wonderful and the narration was great!
If you loved Heather Morris's other work, you'll love this one too!
Thanks to Netgalley and Heather Morris for the advanced copy to review.
geokl7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
kelly_e's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
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
🔖 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."
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
🔖 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."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, War, Physical abuse, Blood, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Confinement
Moderate: Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death, and Genocide
drowningandshe_reads's review
5.0
This was a harrowing story about two women, alongside many others who were captured and held as prisoners by the Japanese through the war. Torn away from their families, friends, and colleagues, expected to survive in squalor.
Despite the rancid conditions the women were kept in, they maintained compassion, love, generosity, and above all else, hope. They became resilient and lifted others even when they barely had the energy to get through the day. I took away from the story that even when the going gets tough, we should still get up and show up and give life our all.
Considering it was horrific reading about the circumstances these people went through, the book was absolutely beautiful, albeit heartbreaking all at the same time. Heather Morris has done an amazing job at putting the true facts into this story. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Despite the rancid conditions the women were kept in, they maintained compassion, love, generosity, and above all else, hope. They became resilient and lifted others even when they barely had the energy to get through the day. I took away from the story that even when the going gets tough, we should still get up and show up and give life our all.
Considering it was horrific reading about the circumstances these people went through, the book was absolutely beautiful, albeit heartbreaking all at the same time. Heather Morris has done an amazing job at putting the true facts into this story. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
catreader18's review
5.0
Sisters of the Rising Sun is the untold story of WWII in the South Pacific. At the beginning the author has a note telling you what you are about to read. At the end of the book the author details each of the real life women, which makes what I just read so much more powerful. This is a story everyone should read to learn about what happened so it does not happen again.
kipsfj's review
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
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.
I don’t think it’s an accurate representation of what transpired during their captivity. The nurses are always laughing and joking even after being interned in a Japanese POW camp. This just doesn't ring true to me. I have read a lot of books on WWII (I have to admit, mostly non-fiction) and none have ever portrayed the jolly behavior found in the characters of this book.
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.
I wish this focussed more on the real story of the Australian Nurses, who they were and their background. This has potential to be a moving, story of survival and bravery.
The ending also fell flat. It read like a high school story, Rather than a true story of survival & history.
I don’t think it’s an accurate representation of what transpired during their captivity. The nurses are always laughing and joking even after being interned in a Japanese POW camp. This just doesn't ring true to me. I have read a lot of books on WWII (I have to admit, mostly non-fiction) and none have ever portrayed the jolly behavior found in the characters of this book.
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.
I wish this focussed more on the real story of the Australian Nurses, who they were and their background. This has potential to be a moving, story of survival and bravery.
The ending also fell flat. It read like a high school story, Rather than a true story of survival & history.
leahjanespeare's review
3.0
I've enjoyed her previous novels but this one didn't quite hit the mark. It's a little simplistic and I feel like we don't get a lot of context for the POW situation. Maybe I need to read up more on this part of history and I would appreciate the account more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Death, and Child death
sparetimereader's review
4.0
Short synopsis: Set during WWII, a group of women are taken captive off the coast of Indonesia by Japanese soldiers. Their story of resilience despite brutality and starvation.
My thoughts: My oh my do I love a strong female protagonist during wartime! The women in this story are based off the stories of women who survived these situations. While this is difficult to read, their bravery, perseverance, and strength are astounding!
The audio was so well done in this, going so far as to get a choir from Australia to sing the prisoner songs, songs that uplifted and strengthened women during this trying time.
I also really enjoyed the authors note and the stories from the families at the end!
Read if you love:
- Strong women
- WWII stories based of real people
- Music
- Nurses
- sacrifice, resiliency, and bravery
My thoughts: My oh my do I love a strong female protagonist during wartime! The women in this story are based off the stories of women who survived these situations. While this is difficult to read, their bravery, perseverance, and strength are astounding!
The audio was so well done in this, going so far as to get a choir from Australia to sing the prisoner songs, songs that uplifted and strengthened women during this trying time.
I also really enjoyed the authors note and the stories from the families at the end!
Read if you love:
- Strong women
- WWII stories based of real people
- Music
- Nurses
- sacrifice, resiliency, and bravery
grammy1013's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0