Emma Pei Yin is a UK-born and raised Hong Kong Chinese writer. She writes for publications including Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, HerCanberra, Aniko Press, Hong Kong Review, and Books + Publishing Australia. She resides in Australia with her partner and their extremely barky Dachshund, Lady. When Sleeping Women Wake is her first novel.

"With vivid historicity and deeply relatable characters, When Sleeping Women Wake is a lushly romantic and impassioned story of women's agency and resilience."--Juhea Kim, internationally bestselling author of Beasts of a Little Land and City of Night Birds

"A nuanced portrait of how wartime conditions push women to move outside of traditional roles in patriarchal systems and, in some cases, propel them onto a path of personal liberation--often at a high cost."-- Jacobin

"The language is descriptive and powerful and would appeal to readers who enjoyed Min Jin Lee's Pachinko or Lisa See's The Island of Sea Women. The experiences of women during a time of war have traditionally been second place and remain unconsidered compared to those of men, but here they are brought forward center stage, and finally their untold stories can be recounted."-- Historical Novel Society

"A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel. . . . an important literary feat from an exciting new voice."--Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, global bestselling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child

"In this gripping tale, a close band of women is scattered by a ruthless occupation, each finding her own path through resilience, cunning, and taking high-risk chances. . . . A riveting, fast-paced read."--Jennifer Ryan, bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Underground Library

"A powerful tribute to the forgotten women and men who fought and resisted the merciless grip of the Japanese forces during a dark period of Hong Kong's history."--Weina Dai Randel, award-winning, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Master Jeweler

"Brimming with intrigue and fascinating history, this sweeping story brings to life beautifully drawn characters and paints a gripping portrait of the strength of women's bonds."--Ashton Lattimore, author of All We Were Promised

"Lingers in the mind long after the final page--an exploration of strength, self-discovery, and the landscapes, both internal and external, that shape us."--Ayesha Inoon, author of Untethered

"When Sleeping Women Wake brings 1940s Hong Kong to life and reminds us that compassion can prevail, even against a ruthless regime."--Jane Yang, author of The Lotus Shoes

"Historical fiction at its finest."--Wiz Wharton, author of Ghost Girl, Banana

"Yin's debut is a riveting account of the resistance of three very different women during the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong--not only against the occupation, but against the traditions that bound them."--Eve J. Chung, author of Daughters of Shandong

"Epic and moving . . . a gripping piece of historical fiction to add to your bookshelf."--Alli Parker, bestselling author of At the Foot of the Cherry Tree

"Heart-wrenching yet hopeful . . . . A must-read for fans of female-driven historical fiction."--Booklist

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Pub date: 2026-06-16

Length: 352 pages