The Island of Sea Women: A Novel
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "A mesmerizing new historical novel" (O, The Oprah Magazine) from Lisa See, the bestselling author of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, about female friendship and devastating family secrets on a small Korean island. Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends who come from very different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village's all-female diving collective, led by Young-sook's mother. As the girls take up their positions as baby divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility--but also danger. Despite their love for each other, Mi-ja and Young-sook find it impossible to ignore their differences. The Island of Sea Women takes place over many decades, beginning during a period of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s, followed by World War II, the Korean War, through the era of cell phones and wet suits for the women divers. Throughout this time, the residents of Jeju find themselves caught between warring empires. Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother's position leading the divers in their village. Little do the two friends know that forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point. "This vivid...thoughtful and empathetic" novel (The New York Times Book Review) illuminates a world turned upside down, one where the women are in charge and the men take care of the children. "A wonderful ode to a truly singular group of women" (Publishers Weekly), The Island of Sea Women is a "beautiful story...about the endurance of friendship when it's pushed to its limits, and you...will love it" (Cosmopolitan).
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Community Reviews
This book is both an ethnographical portrait of the unique cultural practices of the Jeju Island Haenyeo and a moving story of two Haenyeo girls who grow up together and become best friends. The political upheavals and invasions of Jeju, an island of Korea, had an enormous impact on the lives of Jeju islanders and the Haenyeo from about 1939 until 2008. At that time public acknowledgement of the war crimes and atrocities committed by the outside occupiers and puppet government appointees was finally brought to light a publicly acknowledged. We learn first hand about the tremendous hardships that the islanders had during WWII. But in their uniquely matriarchal culture, what was particularly interesting to me was learning about the communal customs and rules that the groups of Haenyeo followed. Additionally, the power of knowing the full truth behind someone’s actions and how that knowledge can be a powerful force driving forgiveness, even after many years of estrangement. This is a powerful book that makes you think about your own women friends and the importance of being truthful and loyal, as well as listening and asking questions to understand each other’s choices and decisions. This Apple TV film is a good place to start before you read the book.
https://tv.apple.com/movie/thelastoftheseawomen/umc.cmc.2ifcc56qkxiso1w9k6qwv8aow
I was surprised at how good this book was. I’ve never read any of the author’s other books; to be honest, I was a bit afraid that it would be kind of a voyeuristic look at a quaintly isolated community. Let me just say: it’s not that. I don’t know about the cultural authenticity—it’s probably about 80%; wouldn’t that be typical? But beyond that, it’s a very human story about deep, lasting relationships. It’s also about some really challenging, jolting experiences. It’s about the ways we connect with our community and its history. It’s about the ways we dehumanize other people, and the terrible danger of doing so.
I’ll note that I’ve read some reviews that say the book is overly shocking, but I disagree. Some things are meant to be shocking, and it would be disrespectful to treat them any other way. This book does not flinch, and it’s better for it.
I’ll note that I’ve read some reviews that say the book is overly shocking, but I disagree. Some things are meant to be shocking, and it would be disrespectful to treat them any other way. This book does not flinch, and it’s better for it.
Really liked both the ample research evident in the story, as well as the structure of the narrative. Thought the hook at the beginning was really well put in, and the ending was very good. Definitely recommend!
Fascinating history of the women sea divers of Jeju Island, although I have to admit the first part of it was a little tedious for me.
A nice read. The novel follows the story of a matriarchal society in Korea where the women have the jobs and the men work in the home. I was very surprised to hear that there is actually a matriarchal society on earth. Even more surprising was the fact that there was an actual physiological reason why Women worked and man we're home. This society relies on underwater fishing to supply food for the community and women are much more suited for this type of work because of their higher fat content in their skin compared to men. This higher fat contact makes them much more suited to swim in the cold fishing waters. The novel also involves tragedy within the family unit. It touches on the moral of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving not just as a trait but to help people move on with their lives.
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