Inspired by the true story of a daring deception, a young Czech woman is plunged into the horrors of a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp to be with the English soldier she loves.
1944: In the dead of night a young Czech woman and a British soldier creep through the war-torn countryside
Izabela and prisoner-of-war Bill have secretly married, and are on the run, with Izzy dressed as a man and her hair cut short. The young husband and wife evade capture for as long as possible, until they are cornered by Nazi soldiers with tracker dogs.
Izzy’s disguise works. The couple are assumed to be two escaped British soldiers and transported to a PoW camp. However, their true test has just begun as they face terrible living conditions and the constant terror of Izzy’s exposure. But in the midst of unimaginable horrors comes hope, for the young couple are befriended by a small group of fellow prisoners. These men become their new family, willing to jeopardise their lives to save Izzy from being discovered and shot.
The Prisoner's Wife tells of an incredible risk, and how our deepest bonds are tested in desperate times. Bill and Izzy's is a story of love and survival, against the darkest odds.
The novel is based on a true story told to the author in a lift by an ex-World War 2 prisoner of war. It was researched extensively in eastern Europe, uncovering largely forgotten aspects of the war.
The Prisoner’s Wife is now available in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Canada, Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and France.
Praise for The Prisoner’s Wife
From AMERICA
“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 novel. 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
FROM THE UK
'A deeply moving and compelling read, The Prisoner's Wife tells of an epic journey, not only across war-torn countries but deep into the heart of what it is to be human. The story is beautifully written and closely observed so that I felt I walked every mile of Izzy's long march alongside her. A heart-rending story beautifully told.’ Judith Allnat, author of The Poet’s Wife and The Silk Factory
‘Heart wrenching and heart warming in equal measure, The Prisoner's Wife is an unputdownable read. Finely crafted, atmospheric, often nail-biting, this is an excellent addition to the WW2 canon. A (bloody) great read.’ Ben Kane, author of The Eagles of Rome series
‘A gripping novel that explores the question of how much the human body, and the human spirit, can endure for the sake of love. The wealth of authentic detail makes it feel like the memoir of an exceptional young woman. I feel enriched to have read it.’ Gill Paul, author of The Lost Daughter and The Secret Wife
‘Based on the experiences of real people and real events, The Prisoner’s Wife seamlessly and skilfully breathes intense, fully realised life into the stark scenes it describes. The author shows us love's ability to inspire the deepest devotion as well as acts of unimaginable sacrifice and bravery. I was by turns moved, outraged and humbled’ Deborah Kay Davies, author of True Things About Me
A tremendous story of love and courage in the face of stark adversity. This is much more than a love story; it’s about the instinct for survival, the value of friends, and the power of hope even in the midst of terror.’ Georgina Clarke, author of Death and the Harlot
‘A story of danger, fear, determination and the redemptive power of love in war-torn Europe. Maggie Brooke’s extensive research and novelist’s sensitivity have succeeded in bringing a previously hidden story into the light. It is a story that Hemingway might have envied.’ Juliet Gardiner, author of Wartime: Britain 1939 to 1945 and The Blitz: The British Under Attack.
‘A heady mix of young passion, love, courage and hope in a dark world. I so hope that Bill and Izabella get away but this has captured me.’ Giles Kristian author of the Sunday Times and Times bestseller Lancelot.
The Prisoner's Wife is an engrossing, harrowing and heartwarming novel that reveals humanity at its best and worst. With Izzy, Maggie Brookes has found a startlingly fresh perspective on the Second World War. Through the eyes of this memorable and indefatigable woman, she dusts off the events of history and forces us to reimagine what we think we know anew. Ann Morgan, author of Reading The World.