The Enemy’s Wife
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The Enemy’s Wife
A fast-paced, beautifully written, and moving story. Refreshing to read a book set in a different theatre of war. Wartime Shanghai jumped off the page. CLARE FLYNN
Wow what a stunning read this was … All the moments in this book held me. Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unputdownable read. Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1941. When Zofia’s beloved husband Haru is conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army, she is left to navigate Japanese-occupied Shanghai alone.
Far from home and surrounded by a country at war, Zofia finds unexpected comfort in a bond with Hilly, a spirited young refugee escaping Nazi-occupied Austria.
As violence tightens its grip on the city, they seek shelter with Theo, Zofia’s American employer. But with every passing day, the horrors of war and Haru’s absence begin to reshape Zofia’s world – and her heart.
Can she still love someone who has become the enemy?
A poignant story of the impossible choices we make in the shadow of war, for fans of Daisy Wood and Marius Gabriel.
Readers love The Enemy's Wife:
A gorgeous novel that will truly pull at your heartstrings. CARLY SCHABOWSKI
I loved The Enemy’s Wife – a gripping, fast-paced and evocative story about the Japanese occupation of Shanghai during WW2 – and really rooted for the brave and selfless central character, Zofia. Highly recommended. ANN BENNETT
Such an emotional and moving read, grounded in immaculate research that never overshadows the heart of the story. SUZANNE FORTIN
A side of WW2 that isn't often written about. Great characters, high stakes and a satisfying love story. KATHLEEN MCGURL
A unique insight into the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love. CANDIS
Deborah Swift delivers another beautifully written World War II novel that is impossible to put down. The Enemy's Wife is a poignant and powerful story. LANA KORTCHIK
The Enemy’s Wife is an absorbing, compassionate novel with emotional depth and ethical complexity. Highly recommended. TONY RICHES
I seldom give books of this type five stars, but this one fully deserves it for bringing something new and refreshing to the genre. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a fantastic read this was. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another stunning achievement in historical fiction from Deborah Swift. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grips you from the beginning and does not let go until the end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: Survivors of War
View allBook Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008823634
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 August 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: HQ Digital
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 270g
Pages: 368
About the Author
I write historical fiction, a genre I love, though I'm a bookaholic and I read widely - contemporary and classic fiction as well as historicals. In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing as a scenographer. Each book takes about six months of research before I am ready to begin writing. More details of my research and writing process can be found on my website. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.
Also by Deborah Swift
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