Title: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Book Beginnings quote:
Friday56 quote:
Summary: Set on the Korean island of Jeju, The Island of Sea Women
follows Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls as they begin working in the sea with their village’s
all-female diving collective. Over many decades—through the Japanese
colonialism of the 1930s and 1940s, World War II, the Korean War, and
the era of cellphones and wet suits for the women divers—Mi-ja and
Young-sook develop the closest of bonds. Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese
collaborator, forever marking her, and Young-sook was born into a long
line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother’s position leading
the divers. When the threat of communism comes to their island, their friendship is tested and torn apart.
This beautiful, thoughtful novel illuminates a unique and
unforgettable culture, one where the women are in charge, engaging in
dangerous physical work, and the men take care of the children. The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. Based on actual history and present-day events.
Review: Sometimes we have the good fortune of hitting a home-run when it comes to picking our next book club selection. The Island of Sea Women is one such fantastic choice. It is based on actual historical facts. There is an island off the coast of South Korea where women divers have historically made their livings from the sea. Jeju Island is now a UNESCO Heritage site for is beauty and unique cultural features where the haenyeo play an important role.
Young-sook is the main protagonist and we follow her story from the 1930s through the late 2010s. During that time she loses her mother to a diving accident, essentially loses her diving partner to another water-related event. Later after the death of other family members she survives by her strength of character and with the help of the goddesses who protect the haenyeo and their families. When war comes to her island and later when the red-scare permeates politics, she has to dig down deep to find the reserves of her strength to survive and eventually to thrive.
The Island of Sea Women has it all -- a compelling and well-told story based on facts; well developed and sympathetic characters; and a unique and beautiful setting. I look forward to discussing it with my club. I found the book to be a fascinating read, often heart-breaking, but so interesting at the same time.
RHS Gals Book Club: June 2022
-Anne
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