The Prisoner's Wife

By: Maggie Brookes

Narrated by: Alicia Suszka-Fielder, David John

Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2020 Maggie Brookes (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“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 best-selling 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 best-selling 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, best-selling author of The Last Year of the War)

Stunningly beautiful

This story had me in tears at the horrors and goodness that were present during that horrible time. Overall such a great book.

An excellent addition to a WWII Library

Captivating from beginning to end. I liked how the narrative switched from male to female throughout. Both were excellent narrators. Very different from most WWII novels. A different perspective.

Listen to this book!

Awesome story! It is based on a true story and it is very compelling! The female narrator had a wonder storytelling voice.

Captivating Story and Presentation

I don’t usually rate and review, but I wanted to with this one. The story is incredible and it is delivered beautifully by Alicia Suszka-Fielder. Not only is the story gripping, but it’s told in a poetic and poignant way. I’ve read/listened to many war time stories, but this one stands above many of the better known and widely recognized titles. This one deserves an award or two.

What incredible courage

This story is about people who have more courage and determination to survive you can’t help but be amazed by them. I loved this book.

Really liked it

I wasn’t a big fan of the reader but the book itself was really good

Wonderful!

This really brought home the horrible conditions and brutality of the Nazi prisoners of war.

Heart wrenching

So difficult to hear yet so important to know the stories from this time in history.

You feel thier tragic journey.

This author made you feel thier pain, thier homelessness. Not even being a history buff, this all was crystal clear of the events.

Sweet and poignant Holocaust love story

Really loved the characters in this love story set during the Holocaust. From the forbidden romance between a young British P.O.W. Bill and native, impulsive farm girl Izzy, to the surprising friends they meet, I loved them all.