Prisoner from Penang

An incredible story, inspired by real-life events, of the courage of two ordinary women imprisoned in the Dutch East Indies during WW2.

1941, Malaya: When Mary Helston flees her beloved home, the beautiful tropical island of Penang, as it comes under attack, she thinks her broken heart can't suffer any more.

She's proved wrong when she's captured and imprisoned, with countless other women, in a POW camp. Surviving in desperate circumstances, with just a narrow strip of azure sky to remind her of the world beyond the camp and the life she left behind, Mary discovers that Veronica Leighton is one of her fellow inmates - a vain and selfish woman she knew and had reason to loathe back on Penang. But, to Mary's surprise, Veronica reveals hidden qualities, finding bold and ingenious ways to protect her fellow prisoners and provide comfort in captivity. And when Mary begins to succumb to the depths of despair, Veronica makes it her mission to keep her alive.

Together, the women learn to rely on one another, forge a friendship and find the strength to endure the darkest time of their lives. The battle for survival will change them all forever.

Heart-wrenching and deeply moving, Prisoner from Penang explores the courage and heroism of the women and children who were incarcerated in Japanese internment camps during WW2. If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Nightingale you'll adore this powerful story of resilience, hope and humanity.