"THE PRISONER'S WIFE"--from author MAGGIE BROOKES--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

The Prisoner's Wife

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. 

Praise for The Prisoner's Wife

“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


Maggie Brookes

 

Maggie Brookes is a British ex-journalist and BBC television producer turned poet and novelist. 

The Prisoner’s Wife is based on an extraordinary true story of love and courage, told to her by an ex-WW2 prisoner of war. Maggie visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany as part of her research for the book, learning largely forgotten aspects of the war.

The Prisoner’s Wife is due to be published by imprints of Penguin Random House in the UK and in the US in May 2020. Publication in other countries, including Holland, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic will follow.

As well as being a writer, Maggie 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.

https://www.facebook.com/maggiebrookesnovelist/