The captivating new novel from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey and Three Sisters. Sisters Under the Rising Sun is a story of women in war: a novel of resilience, bravery and friendship in the darkest of circumstances.
It is February 1942. Amid the turmoil of World War II, a group of Australian Army nurses, among them Nesta James and Vivian Bullwinkel, have just arrived in Singapore. The women have fled there from Malaya, where they had been stationed to care for Allied troops – and they are reluctant to move on again. Their hope is to remain in the beleaguered British colony to continue their mission of treating the sick and wounded.
Norah Chambers, an English musician, has also fled to Singapore from Malaya, where she had been living with her husband and her eight-year-old daughter, Sally. Two months earlier she had sent her child away on a ship bound for Australia, desperate to keep her safe from invading Japanese forces.
As the Japanese military overruns the city, Nesta and Vivian reluctantly join a terrified cargo of people – including the heartbroken Norah – crammed aboard the merchant ship Vyner Brooke. Only two days later, they are bombarded from the air off the coast of Indonesia, and in a matter of hours, the Vyner Brooke has sunk. After surviving 24 hours in the sea, Nesta and Norah reach the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured and held in a succession of Japanese POW camps, places of starvation and brutality, where disease runs rampant.
But even here, joy can be found by those with the will to defy their desperate circumstances. When Norah forms a ‘vocal orchestra’, with the women’s voices taking the place of instruments, their music has the power to bring hope into the midst of despair.
Sisters in arms, Norah and Nesta fight side by side, discovering in themselves extraordinary reserves of courage, resourcefulness, humour and hope in their determination to retain their humanity by caring for others.
Drawing upon their real-life experiences, Heather Morris chronicles the powerful bonds of sisterhood among the 500 Australian, English, Dutch and New Zealand women who struggled and survived together for nearly four years. The result of Heather’s passionate commitment to ensuring that the bravery of these nurses, mothers and daughters is recognised, Sisters Under the Rising Sun has all the elements loved by her millions of readers: strong women, courage against the odds and the power of friendship and community.
Buy a copy of Sisters Under the Rising Sun here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Heather Morris has done it again, a punchy, no-holds barred account of the suffering prisoners of war face. This time they are interred in the remote islands around Indonesia after the Japanese bomb a ship full of evacuees from Singapore, bound for Australia, during WWII. Most accounts of prisoners of war tend to focus on the men, but the bravery, strength and endurance of more than 200 women brought me to tears several times throughout the book, thanks to Morris’ moving tale, based on real women. Morris focuses on their appalling treatment during more than three years of isolation and deprivation. The reader truly feels their pain and suffering, and unimaginable atrocities these brave women are forced to endure. Another brilliant read. Jann, QLD, 5 Stars
A compelling novel that takes readers through the triumphs, tragedies and challenges of women during the war. Built around the journey of captured Australian nurses, it highlights the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers and the strength, comradeship and compassion of the ladies. A well-written story that is more than a historical novel. Rather it brings out the values of courage, friendship, resilience and maintaining belief even under the most trying circumstances. Readers will feel joyful, sad and angry as they get immersed in this great story. Geoff, WA, 5 Stars
The most beautifully written historical fiction novel about WWII Australian Army nurse survivors. Told to us in fiction form and following the survival after their ship the Vyner Brooke sunk, I followed the journey through heartache, war, friendships, humour and song! The main characters Sister James and Norah Chamber grow in your heart. Debbie, WA, 5 Stars
Heather Morris has done it again! Another wonderful novel of women’s resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable horrors. Norah and Nesta are captured trying to flee Singapore in 1942 and imprisoned in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Music and singing help dispel some of the despair felt by all the women and courage and hope help them survive. Another wonderful book which shines a light on the terrible suffering experienced by so many in wartime. Highly recommended! Denise, QLD, 5 Stars
A remarkable story of courage, faith, endurance and friendship in the most dreadful conditions imaginable under their cruel Japanese captors. I had heard of Vivian Bullwinkle but not the other nurses. As the storuy unfolds I could feel their pain – those slaps! The choir formed by Norah and Margaret was such a morale booster for all, I can still hear “Bolero”. Another wonderful story by Heather Morris, so well researched. The women’s stories should/need to be told as they are just as important as the men’s. Liz, VIC, 5 Stars
A story of a group of women in World War II. People are crammed into a merchant ship to try and escape from the Japanese army. Also on-board is a group of Australian army nurses. The ship is bombed. After 24 hours in the sea, they reach the beaches of a remote island. They are captured and held in Japanese POW camps. In the camps, they struggle for survival which is almost impossible as there is disease, starvation and brutality. The women band together to help each other forming friendships. Denise, VIC, 5 Stars
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris is a story that everyone should read. It highlights the events that took place following the departure of the Vyner Brooke ship containing nurses and civilians escaping Singapore to Australia following Japanese invasion in WWII. This novel focuses on the strength and survival of women in these prisoner-of-war camps. The role of the nurses in caring and providing support for everyone is remarkable and should never be forgotten. The friendships made, the music that heals and strengthens the internees is extremely emotional. I really enjoyed this novel. Although at times I felt like the story was a little rushed with the events, I think it was because there was just too much to be told. I especially liked the information about the main characters at the end. I think a lot of research was required to write a novel of this importance. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
An important story that must never be forgotten. The strength of the women and children was unbelievable. They were selfless and showed bravery and leadership. Lest we forget. Julie, ACT, 5 Stars
What an amazing read! Another beautifully written and unfortunately true story about the atrocities of war that occurred so close to home to our very own Australian nursing sisters. I’m so glad that these stories are being told by the likes of the talented Heather Morris after what seems like too many gaps in history’s records of the people in the thick of it. Lots of tears but still a wonderful story of hope and selflessness too. Fran, NSW, 5 Stars
This book tells the story of the women internees held in Indonesia during WWII by the Japanese, their struggles to stay alive and the bond they all formed. Having a family member who was interned in Changi during WWII, the subject matter was of interest to me. Most Australians are aware of Vivian Bullwinkle and what she witnessed, but to be given names and told the stories of some of the other internees and what they experienced. As Heather Morris wrote at the end of this book, “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.” “Know now of them. Remember them.” Will definitely be recommending to friends. Leigh, WA, 5 Stars
A chapter of Australian history that needs to be remembered and shared. Taken from recollections of those who experienced it, this story reminded me to appreciate my own life so much more! These women not only survived but found a way to maintain their positivity in such a horrendous situation. The story gives further depth to the movie Paradise Road, based on the same cohort of Prisoners of War based in Sumatra over WWII. I remember how moved I was by this movie when I saw it and this book brought back all those feelings again. Highly recommend. Jane, VIC, 5 Stars
A story full of courage, resilience, and the power of music. These women found strength in each other and survived the most horrendous conditions in the Malayan jungle. Throughout it all they maintained their dignity and faith in humanity. Such a powerful story. Thank you, Heather Morris, for making sure these women are not forgotten. Denise, TAS, 5 Stars
Sisters Under The Rising Sun is the perfect title for this outstanding book and you will understand why after you have read it. The book is based on the true story of the women Nesta, Vivian and all the other courageous humans who survived and those who lost their lives. I became captivated by this story and I could not believe some of the circumstances in which people had to live and I could not imagine other humans being so cruel, but the care and compassion that the women showed each other warmed my heart. I had so many different emotions raging through my system while reading. I don’t know what it is like to be so hungry that you have nothing left to give and I am very grateful for that, but because of that I could only imagine the pain that they were in. I loved the power of the story as it shows compassion, strength and kindness in the face of adversity. This book will stay with me forever and it is a clear favourite. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
Heather Morris applies her talent for wartime historical fiction to the Pacific theatre of World War II, telling the story of an Australian nurse, and of an English musician, as their desperate attempt to return home to their families is delayed for three years and seven months as they are held prisoner by the Japanese, a story overlooked by history. More matter-of-fact than emotional. Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
There aren’t words enough to convey just how extraordinary this book is. I received this ARC from Better Reading recently, starting my reading journey not really knowing if this would appeal to me as I haven’t read anything set around events of WWII or the prisoner of war camps. Not only did this appeal to me in a massive way, but the skill of Heather Morris’ writing telling these people’s stories had me feeling more than I would have anticipated. Although it contains descriptions of many atrocities carried out by the Japanese, it’s the courage, resilience, bravery, charity, defiance and a whole host of other amazing qualities of all the women internees, nuns and Australian nurses that are truly highlighted throughout this book. Their comradery and selflessness are a tribute to them all. This book makes you feel a variety of very strong emotions, as well as thankful that Heather has written down their stories so that they will never be forgotten. There are so many things that I want to say about this book, but the words just don’t seem to do it, or the women, enough justice, so let me just say… you really need to read this. Nerelle, NSW, 5 Stars
A fictionalised account of the true story of a group of Australian WWII nurses who were imprisoned by the Japanese in various camps, where they faced starvation and brutality by their captors. I was inspired by the humanity demonstrated by the nurses, particularly Nesta James, who together with others, refused to cower under the brutility and inhuman treatment meted out to them and hundreds of other prisoners. They demonstrated resilience, even under torture, to administer medical treatment for the diseases that were rampant in the camps due mainly to the atrocious living conditions and starvation. Their caring, kindness and resilience to their appalling treatment gave comfort and hope to many who had lost all hope. Throughout my reading of this book, I was fully invested in the lives of these women, praying that each and every one survived their incarceration. It is a book that will remain etched in my memory. Judith, VIC, 5 Stars
This book I really enjoyed. Such strong women, the way they survived against all odds. They were treated so badly and yet kept their dignity. Music kept them going even in the hardest times. The nurses were amazing with so little equipment and medical supplies. Vivian Bullwinkle is so well known but this book highlighted all the other nurses during the war and the many who didn’t survive. Would recommend this book to everyone. Kaye, VIC, 5 Stars
A well-timed piece of historical fiction given the newly unveiled statue honouring Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel at the Australian War Memorial. I really enjoyed this very special book written to honour the stories, bravery and friendship of women prisoners of war held by the Japanese in internment camps in Indonesia during WWII. In her wonderful authorship, Heather Morris has personalised and humanised the horrific experiences of a number of women and children within this work, allowing the reader to connect with the positive personal strength, courage and resilience needed to survive such an ordeal, rather than overwhelm us with the horror of bombing, capture, rape, starvation, illness and deprivation. The epilogue contains information on the women and families that the book has focussed around and lets the reader know that to be remembered, stories must be told. This was an important and special story that has been written beautifully and thoughtfully. Definitely a good read. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
She has done it again! Absolutely moving book that I highly recommend. Brea, NSW, 5 Stars
Heartwrenching, yet beautiful! Heather Morris never fails to make you feel every emotion the character is going through. As it is a true story it brings the people, who we may never have known about, to life. Another brilliant book by Heather Morris. I wish I could give it more stars!! Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
An amazing story of resilience, courage, hope and sisterhood. Following the lives of a group of internees under Japanese control in Indonesia, we learn how each group contributed to the survival of many despite the dreadful conditions imposed by their captors after the bombing of Singapore. Although quite sad, the strength shown by the women was very inspiring. It was a real page-turner and I was totally engaged with their story. At last a book about the role of women during WWII. Amazingly, a statue to nurse Vivian Bullwinkel has just been unveiled at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. I highly recommend this book. Annette, ACT, 5 Stars
A story that will stay with me. Heather Morris has beautifully portrayed the lives of these remarkable women, who endured so much during World War II. While heartbreaking to read of the atrocities and poor conditions, it was ultimately inspiring; a book filled with compassion and hope. I felt transported back in time by Heather’s words, and like I knew each of these incredible women. It made me cry and smile, and delve into the real-life stories of these characters after finishing. It’s the kind of read to put life problems in perspective. I’ve come away with renewed determination to make the most of life. A must-read. Ellen, TAS, 5 Stars
Heather Morris, congratulations on writing this story that needed to be told. The book is about the female nurses and other women who were prisoners during the war, the courage bravery and determination of these women is just amazing and I respect them so much, The author’s notes at the end of the book are a plus for me to see what happened to these amazing women who we must never forget. Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
Heather Morris knows how to transport you back in time to 1942 and builds an unforgettable visual of the turmoil and heartache of being a POW. She carves out a spot in your heart for each woman in this book that makes you want to see them reach the point of rescue. Viewing the camp and other women through the eyes of Norah and Nesta gave a unique perspective as a reader. At times, I had to stop and remember these women aren’t just characters in a book but are real women who survived this experience. As a nurse myself, I found myself resonating most with Nesta’s story, not just her drive to put her fellow nurses first but also her treatment and care for all her patients in the camps. Norah using her voice to inspire those around her through the power of music and sisterhood brought tears to my eyes. The combination of care for fellow prisoners of war’s health but also their souls from both women leads to a beautiful tale of survival and hope. Know now of them. Remember them. Shara, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved this book. I found it very hard to put down at times. Christine, QLD, 4 Stars
When faced with hardship, loss and uncertainty, rely upon “your sisters”. Whether it be sisters by birth or by choice, whether it’s as sisters of god or nurses known as sisters, together we can overcome. War is barbaric and cruel and so was the treatment of the women in this story. Based on true events of WWII, Sisters Under the Rising Sun tells us of the capture and incarceration of women and children held as prisoners of war in Indonesia. Sisters of the Rising Sun captures the stoicism and dogged determination of these women, intent on survival. True to the Australian spirit, these women selflessly band together to support each other and others held in the camp. As nurses, they are able to provide rudimentary health care with limited resources. As humans, they are able to provide distraction and mental escape through song and performance. This book will tug at your heartstrings. Alana, VIC, 4 Stars
Few Australians are familiar with the extraordinary survival of hundreds of women and children during incarceration in Japanese POW camps in Indonesia during World War II. The horrors of Changi, the Burma Railway, Sandakan and other camps for men are widely known but Heather Morris reveals the suffering and death of Australian, Dutch and European women over nearly four years. The horrors of the camps are depicted in detail but the main aspect that shines through is the strong bond forged between the women and their resilience in the face of such hardship. The uplifting power of music, especially singing, is a source of great solace for them all. Heather Morris’ extensive research of written sources and oral accounts by relatives of the large number of characters so vividly brings to life their experiences. Fran, NSW, 4 Stars
A heartbreaking but uplifting read. Highlights the resilience and inner strength people find within to survive war times and the lengths they’ll go to, to save each other and those they love and care for. Another great book by Heather Morris. Win, NSW, 4 Stars
This is an emotional read at times and tells the story of the women who were held prisoner by the Japanese after their boat was bombed when they fled Singapore. The author does not sugarcoat the inhumane treatment and conditions that they endured during their years of captivity. It’s a testament to the resilience and strength of the women, whose story has been almost forgotten. It’s an important part of the Australian war history. Jacqueline, WA, 4 Stars
Multi-award-winning author Heather Morris’ latest novel is a sweeping saga that instantly transports you to the fall of Singapore during the Second World War in 1942. Inspired by true people and events, Sisters Under the Rising Sun not only celebrates sisterhood in all its forms but also the sheer power music has to unite, connect, uplift, touch, give hope and offer escapism. As this searing story reaches its final crescendo, I found myself in tears from the heartbreaking series of events these women endured, but ultimately full of pride due to their strength, resilience, friendship, compassion and determination. A true testament to the unsung heroes whose stories are often overlooked or forgotten, I really appreciated the author’s notes at the end which delved further into honouring the lives of the characters throughout this novel. A must-read for all Australians. Lest we forget. Fleur, NSW, 4 Stars
Very exciting, well-written and most enjoyable. Julie, VIC, 4 Stars
What an amazing story of the power of women and music. This novel was heartbreaking yet also uplifting. The author told the story in such detail that I could see the scenery, feel the sadness and hear the sounds of the choir depicted on the pages. After reading this novel I am proud to be a woman and inspired by the resilience of the women who suffered so poorly. The epilogue at the end was appreciated as were the author’s notes – they tied the story together nicely. Heather has succeeded in making known the story of brutality these people overcame – it will also not be forgotten. An inspiring read. Kristy, NSW, 4 Stars
Heather Morris, well-known for her unforgettable Tattooist of Auschwitz, was inspired by the stories of women held captive in Sumatra by the Japanese following the fall of Singapore in 1942. For the duration of the war, these women battled starvation, disease and brutality. There was no doubt that this was going to be a harrowing read, particularly as Morris begins to dig deeper into the personalities of each woman and the reader grows more and more invested in the plight of the characters. But it was not all doom and gloom. There was inspiration and moments of magic. Morris cleverly explores sisterhood in all its manifestations from nuns of religious orders, biological sisters and the Australian Army nurses but she also describes that necessary bond, the “sisterhood” that developed within the community of women who relied on each other for sustenance of the body and soul. The women establish a vocal orchestra and these scenes in the novel are truly mesmerizing and uplifting. Some of the dialogue seemed overly contrived and saccharine but, overall, this was a truly inspiring and well-told story, worth reading as a reminder of the lives of these extraordinary women. Heidi, SA, 4 Stars
This is a story based on true events, showcasing the brutality of the Japanese and the wonderful resilience of the Australian nurses and the other prisoners. Know of them. Remember them. Di, NSW, 4 Stars
To be honest I struggled to read this novel. There were far too many characters, the dialogue was stilted and it may have worked better to tell the story from one of view (I got a bit confused). I also thought that ‘positivity’ was highlighted and the brutality of the camp dodged. Resilience and bravery were amongst themes of the story and they both need the full struggle to be articulated. It is an important story of the women who survived the Japanese POW camps and I appreciate the author’s intention to remind us that the wars and internment camps were not just about the men. It leads me to some further research in real people this novel is based on. Indigo, NSW, 3 Stars
In Sisters Under the Rising Sun, Heather Morris moves her focus to the women POWs in Indonesia during the Japanese occupation in WWII. The story is built around several real-life characters, detailing the trials and tribulations of the group of women over almost four years in an often brutal prison camp. I was quite excited to receive my ARC from Better Reading, being a big history fan, and am always intrigued by the lesser-known stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t really connect as much as I would have liked with any of the characters, they felt slightly one or two-dimensional. I did appreciate the author’s notes at the end detailing what happened to the main characters after they returned home, and agree that they were amazing to have gone through what they did and survived. Juanita, NSW, 3 Stars
I have mixed feelings about Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris as it is the second book on this topic that I have recently read. I struggled to connect with the many characters and didn’t really feel an emotional connection with any of them. It seemed to skim over the brutality. This was a bit disappointing as I enjoyed her other books. Janine, SA, 3 Stars
When tradegy and the unknown bring two women together, it’s amazing what they can accomplish. Emotional, heartbreaking, inspirational and heroic. Push your limits and survival along with the desire to help will overcome any adversity. Sharnee, QLD, 3 Stars
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris recounts the bombing and sinking of the Vyner Brooke after the fall of Singapore in 1942 and the subsequent imprisonment in Japanese POW camps of female Australian army nurses and civilians who survived after 24 hours in the sea. Heather Morris relates her amazing story of survival with great compassion. This largely unknown piece of Australian history is a story that needed to be retold to a new generation of readers but somehow the author fails to convey the the true horror of the atrocities, brutality and degradation these women suffered on a daily basis during their nearly four years of imprisonment under the Japanese military. Dianne, QLD, 2 Stars
With some deep research into the characters and their experiences, the plot was interesting, and the range of characters absorbing. I was disappointed by the writing, which I found curiously maladroit. I have not read any of the author’s other books, but have certainly heard very positive things about her work; this led me to expect a much higher standard of writing than was delivered. Having said this, it was not a difficult read, and I did appreciate the author’s intent (as communicated in the author’s note) to bring the characters and their stories into public knowledge and remembrance far more than they previously were, and I hope this book prompts the foregrounding of the stories of these women. Bethany, NSW, 2 Stars
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