Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published May 2020
400 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Information
Inspired by the true story of a daring deception that plunges a courageous young woman deep into the horrors of a Nazi POW camp to be with the man she loves.
In the dead of night, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier travel through the countryside. Izabela and prisoner of war Bill have secretly married and are on the run, with Izzy dressed as a man. The young husband and wife evade capture for as long as possible—until they are cornered by Nazi soldiers with tracking dogs.
Izzy's disguise works. The couple are assumed to be escaped British soldiers and transported to a POW camp. However, their ordeal has just begun, as they face appalling living conditions and the constant fear of Izzy's exposure. But in the midst of danger and deprivation comes hope, for the young couple are befriended by a small group of fellow prisoners. These men become their new family, willing to jeopardize their lives to save Izzy from being discovered and shot.
The Prisoner's Wife tells of an incredible risk, and of how our deepest bonds are tested in desperate times. Bill and Izzy's story is one of love and survival against the darkest odds.
"Brookes demonstrates a fine command of historical circumstances and events but skimps on character development amid the nonstop action. In a crowded field of WWII fiction, this one doesn't stick out." - Publishers Weekly
"In her debut novel, former BBC British journalist Brookes weaves meticulous historical research seamlessly into the plot, transporting readers into war-torn Europe. The story offers an untold viewpoint, the pain, horror, and fortitude of an idealistic young woman in impossible circumstances. It proves that there is no environment too harsh to prevent love from blossoming. Recommended for readers of romance and historical fiction." - Library Journal
"The Prisoner's Wife is a powerful love story that exquisitely depicts the courage and strength of the human spirit in the face of the tremendous cost of war. Historical fiction lovers will be immersed in the rich detail and impeccably researched setting. A wonderful book!" - Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author The Last Train to Key West
"A powerful page-turner, The Prisoner's Wife shares the inspiring tale of a courageous historical woman as she risks her life through a countryside ravaged by World War II and suffers through the dangers of living as a man in a POW camp to stay with her beloved husband. Based a breathtaking true story, the novel explores the indomitability of one woman's spirit, and offers a unique perspective on a lesser-seen side of war." - Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Clementine
"You will be spellbound by this stellar debut. So richly imbued with sensory details you'll be feeling every anguished moment and every golden ray of hope. What a beautifully wrought tribute to the real prisoner's wife, wherever she may be." - Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War
"The phenomenal story of an incomparably brave and formidable woman, this is perhaps the most unique World War II story I've ever read. If it's wrong to say a story about prisoners of war is gloriously captivating, I don't want to be right. Romantic, perfectly observed, inspiring, and thrilling – The Prisoner's Wife is impossible to put down – and when I did, I was teary-eyed. A complete winner." - Sarah-Jane Stratford, Author of Red Letter Days
This information about The Prisoner's Wife was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Maggie Brookes is a British ex-journalist and BBC television producer turned poet and novelist. She is an advisory fellow for the Royal Literary Fund and also an Associate Professor at Middlesex University, London, England, where she has taught creative writing since 1990. She lives in London and Whitstable, Kent and is married, with two grown-up daughters. She has published five poetry collections in the UK under her married name of Maggie Butt.
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