The Island of Sea Women

Author: Lisa See
Genre: Historical Fiction (Korea)
Type: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Scribner
First Published: March 5, 2019
Opening Lines: "An old woman sits on the beach, a cushion strapped to her bottom, sorting algae that's washed ashore. She's used to spending time in the water, but even on land she's vigilant to the environment aroun dher. Jeju is her home, an island known for Three Abundances: wind, stones, and women."

Book Description from GoodReads: A new novel from Lisa See, the New York Times bestselling author of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, about female friendship and family secrets on a small Korean island.

Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends that 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’s differences are impossible to ignore. The Island of Sea Women is an epoch set over many decades, beginning during a period of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s, followed by World War II, the Korean War and its aftermath, 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, and she will forever be marked by this association. 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 after surviving hundreds of dives and developing the closest of bonds, forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point.

This beautiful, thoughtful novel illuminates a world turned upside down, one where the women are in charge, engaging in dangerous physical work, and the men take care of the children. A classic Lisa See story—one of women’s friendships and the larger forces that shape them—The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce and unforgettable female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives.

My Rating: 4 stars

My Review: I first read and looovved Lisa See's writing after reading her previous book The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. So, imagine how happy I was to get an advanced copy of The Island of Sea Women knowing I'd be meeting the author in a couple of weeks at a book event! So ... freakin' ... excited!

The Island of Sea Woman, begins in the 1930's and 40's during the Japanese occupation of Korea and the island of Jeju. Through the eyes of best friends, Young-Sook and Mi-ja, two young haenyeo, we witness the political upheaval after WWII, the atrocities committed against citizens and their desire and struggle to control their own country without interference from others.

I had never heard of the haenyeo before reading this book. But with her meticulous research, See introduces readers to these well-respected, strong and staunchly independent women and their unique matrilineal society. They are the heads of their families and the sole providers who risk their lives to fish using the methods haenyeo have used for generations while their husbands stay home to watch the kids (and apparently not much else).

While the haenyeo culture and its matrifocal way of life was interesting to witness, the story is a slower read and took me a little while to get into. I wasn't as engrossed in the modern-day story line and much preferred the earlier one and See's detailed descriptions of Korea's history. The historical info felt a little heavy at times, but having that background was important to understand Korea's struggle for independence and how that influenced the haenyeo. While some scenes were hard to read, I respect that See doesn't hold back on her descriptions detailing the horrors inflicted on the people of Jeju as they struggled under Japanese occupation and later when the US got involved.

The Island of Sea Women is a Historical Fiction novel that focuses on the lives of the unique and powerful haenyeo (a culture many people have probably have never heard of), the history of Korea (a history many people may have never learned about in school) and the lives of two friends whose tight sister-like bond is put to the test by family loyalty, hardships, loss and misunderstanding. This is an eye-opening and touching read about culture, friendship and the struggle of a nation to be autonomous.

Favourite Quotes:

“You are a haenyeo! Never for one moment believe you are unworthy.”

"Fall down eight times, stand up nine. For me, this saying is less about the dead paving the way for future generations than it is for the women of Jeju. We suffer and suffer and suffer, but we also keep getting up. We keep living. 

You would not be here if you weren't brave. 

Now you need to be braver still."

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.