Acclaim for Hazel Gaynor:

‘A powerful re-imagining of a shocking and little known true story – moving, memorable, meticulously researched. Hazel Gaynor evokes a desperate event with visceral intensity in a novel that is shamelessly gripping’ Annabel Abbs

‘Glorious storytelling! Masterfully plotted, beautifully immersive and bursting with remarkable characters who embody courage, hope and endurance. This is historical fiction at its finest’ Caroline Cauci Smailes

‘Deeply moving. Be prepared – have handkerchiefs on standby at the end’ Antonia Senior,The Times

‘Vivid, heart-rending and so, so beautiful’ Jenny Ashcroft

‘Moving and authentic’ Dinah Jefferies

‘An inspiring novel about the power of determination, courage and unity’ Woman’s Own

'Stunning … Based on an incredible true story… immersive, moving and utterly unforgettable' Catherine Ryan Howard

'A beautiful, tender & fascinating story of a group of young British schoolchildren interned by the Japanese during WWII…a gem' Sinead Moriarty

'Above all this is a novel about human courage, generosity of spirit, and the power of friendship. I was hooked from first to last page' Gill Paul

'A little-known corner of the war – absolutely fascinating. Beautiful descriptions of the seasons changing over China and characters who had me rooting for them all the way.' Tracy Rees

Shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. Inspired by WW2 true events, the most gripping historical novel for 2023 from the New York Times bestselling author