Many readers find WWII historical fiction novels to be enjoyable, but the majority of these books tend to center around Europe. It’s important to note that Asia was also significantly impacted by WWII….
The Second World War had a significant impact on the Asian continent, with major events such as the Japanese invasion of China, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The war led to the deaths of millions of people, both military and civilian, and caused widespread destruction and displacement. The human experiences of the war in Asia have been explored by many authors through historical fiction novels, which offer a unique insight into the impact of the war on ordinary people.
These novels provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals who experienced the war firsthand, whether they were soldiers fighting on the front lines, civilians caught in the crossfire, or victims of war atrocities such as the Nanking Massacre. Through their stories, readers can gain a better understanding of the complexity of the war and the lasting effects it had on the region.
Many of these novels mentioned on WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia also highlight the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity. They depict the courage, sacrifice, and compassion that were exhibited by individuals in the face of unimaginable hardship. These stories offer a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.
Echoes of War: Exploring WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia
“White Chrysanthemum” by Mary Lynn Bracht
No WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia list would be complete, without mentioning this book. “White Chrysanthemum” is set on the Korean island of Jeju during WWII and follows the story of two sisters, one of whom is abducted by Japanese soldiers to become a “comfort woman.” The novel explores themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the atrocities committed during wartime.
“Song of the Jade Lily” by Kirsty Manning
“Song of the Jade Lily” by Kirsty Manning is a captivating WWII historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey from Shanghai to Australia. Set against the backdrop of WWII, the novel follows the story of Romy, a young Jewish girl who is sent to live with her grandparents in Shanghai to escape the Nazis.
As Romy adjusts to life in Shanghai and navigates the challenges of growing up during wartime, she uncovers secrets about her family’s past and struggles to come to terms with her own identity. When the war ends, Romy is sent to Australia to start a new life with her mother, where she must learn to navigate a new culture and find her place in the world.
Through Romy’s story, “Song of the Jade Lily” explores themes of identity, family, and the impact of war on ordinary people. The novel offers readers a glimpse into the experiences of Jewish refugees in Shanghai during the war and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of WWII history.
“The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See
“The Island of Sea Women” is set on the Korean island of Jeju and follows the story of two girls, Young-sook and Mi-ja, who become divers and members of the all-female haenyeo collective. The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the impact of war on the lives of women.
“The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See is a gripping WWII historical fiction novel that transports readers to the Korean island of Jeju. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea and the aftermath of the Korean War, the novel tells the story of two girls, Young-sook and Mi-ja, who become divers and members of the all-female haenyeo collective.
The haenyeo, also known as “sea women,” are divers who gather shellfish and other seafood from the ocean floor without the aid of scuba gear. In “The Island of Sea Women,” the haenyeo way of life is at the center of the story, offering readers a glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of Jeju Island.
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan is a powerful and heart-wrenching addition to WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia that delves into the experiences of prisoners of war forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. Winner of the 2014 Man Booker Prize, the novel follows the story of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor who is captured by the Japanese and sent to a POW camp in Thailand.
As Dorrigo struggles to survive in the brutal and inhumane conditions of the camp, he reflects on his life before the war and his complicated relationships with his family, friends, and lovers. The novel explores themes of war, love, loyalty, and forgiveness, as Dorrigo and his fellow prisoners grapple with the harsh realities of their situation and confront the moral dilemmas posed by the war.
Flanagan’s writing is powerful and evocative, transporting readers to the claustrophobic and harrowing world of the POW camp. Through Dorrigo’s story, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of WWII history and offers a profound meditation on the human cost of war.
“Empire of the Sun” by J.G. Ballard
“Empire of the Sun” by J.G. Ballard deserves to be mentioned among the greatest WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia. This book is a haunting and poignant semi-autobiographical WWII historical fiction novel that delves into the experiences of a young British boy imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp in Shanghai. The novel follows the story of Jim, a privileged and curious child who is separated from his parents and forced to fend for himself in the harsh and uncertain world of war.
As Jim struggles to survive in the internment camp, he witnesses the brutality and inhumanity of war, and confronts the loss of his innocence and the destruction of his childhood. The novel explores themes of survival, loss, and the impact of war on children, offering a unique perspective on the psychological and emotional toll of war on individuals and societies.
Ballard’s writing is vivid and powerful, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of Shanghai and the internment camp. Through Jim’s story, “Empire of the Sun” offers readers a glimpse into the experiences of children during WWII, and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the war.
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
“Pachinko” is set in Korea and Japan during WWII and follows the story of a Korean family as they navigate the political and social landscape of the time. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. Through the generations of the family, readers gain insight into the complexities of the relationship between Korea and Japan, as well as the experiences of Koreans living in Japan during the war and its aftermath.
“The Garden of Evening Mists” by Tan Twan Eng
“The Garden of Evening Mists” by Tan Twan Eng is a beautifully written WWII historical fiction novel set in Malaysia after the war. The novel follows the story of Yun Ling Teoh, a survivor of a Japanese internment camp who becomes a judge in Kuala Lumpur. As Yun Ling confronts her past and grapples with the trauma of the war, she seeks solace in the creation of a garden in memory of her sister.
Through Yun Ling’s story, “The Garden of Evening Mists” explores themes of memory, forgiveness, and the impact of war on the individual and the community. The novel also delves into the complex and layered history of Malaysia, touching on issues of race, class, and identity.
Twan Eng’s writing is poetic and evocative, capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world and the emotions of his characters with equal skill. Through his vivid descriptions of the garden and the Malaysian landscape, he immerses readers in the world of the novel and invites them to reflect on the themes and issues it raises.
“The Garden of Evening Mists” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on WWII and its aftermath in Southeast Asia
“The Flowers of War” by Yan Geling
“The Flowers of War” is set in Nanjing, China during the 1937 Japanese invasion and follows the story of John Miller, an American who becomes trapped in the city’s safety zone with a group of schoolgirls and prostitutes. The novel explores themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the horrors of war.
In conclusion, these are just a few examples of the many WWII historical fiction novels set in Asia. Each novel explores different aspects of the war and its impact on people’s lives, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity. Whether you’re interested in stories of survival, love, or redemption, there is sure to be a WWII historical fiction novel set in Asia that will capture your interest.
Overall, WWII Historical Fiction Novels Set in Asia provide a valuable perspective on the impact of the war on ordinary people. They offer a unique insight into the human experiences of the war and the lasting effects it had on the region. Through these stories, readers can gain a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who lived through this tumultuous time and for the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.