Sisters under the Rising Sun: A powerful story from the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Sisters under the Rising Sun is a novel based on a true story from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey and Three Sisters. Set during the Second World War, it follows women caught up in the fall of Singapore in 1942 and the desperate attempts to survive what comes next.

As the Japanese Army advances, English musician Norah Chambers puts her eight-year-old daughter, Sally, on a ship leaving Singapore. Australian nurse Nesta James boards the HMS Vyner Brooke alongside other frightened passengers, including Norah. After two days at sea, the ship is bombarded and sunk, and those who reach the beaches of Indonesia are captured and held in a Japanese POW camp.

Key details

• Novel based on a true story
• Set in 1942 during the fall of Singapore
• Features the HMS Vyner Brooke and its sinking after bombardment
• Centres on women held in a Japanese POW camp
• By the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka's Journey and Three Sisters

Synopsis

Norah and Nesta survive the sinking of the HMS Vyner Brooke, only to be captured after reaching Indonesia and imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp marked by starvation and brutality. Within the camp, Norah’s “voice orchestra” offers moments of escape through music, while friendships formed with other women provide hope, strength and camaraderie. The story focuses on women in war, exploring sisterhood, bravery and resilience in the darkest circumstances.