THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧
𝐁𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐞
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐊
𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝟑𝟕𝟒
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒


Embark on a journey through a tapestry of pain, sorrow, anger, and grief woven together in this narrative. Set amidst the backdrop of Jeju Island, South Korea, this tale delves into the realms of historical fiction. At its heart lie the intertwined lives of two women, Mi-ja and Young-sook, spanning from the troubled 1930s to the poignant landscape of 2008. Against the backdrop of a Korea under Japanese rule since 1910, they navigate the complexities of friendship and life.

It's a captivating and evocative journey that resonates deeply with its readers. We are introduced to Young-sook, now an elderly resident of Jeju in 2008, reflecting on her life amidst the influx of curious tourists who perceive the haenyeo diving women as relics of the past. Unexpectedly approached by a visiting family who recognizes her, Young-sook's memories come rushing back.
Flashbacks transport us to 1938, where we witness Young-sook's initiation into the world of haenyeo diving, a tradition passed down through generations. In Jeju, women sustain their families through this dangerous occupation, while men assume domestic roles—an unconventional yet functional matriarchal dynamic. As Young-sook navigates the challenges of diving, she also contends with the looming spectre of Japanese colonialism and post-war instability.
Amidst these tumultuous times, Young-sook's bond with her childhood friend Mi-ja remains steadfast until adulthood brings about inevitable changes. But their once-unwavering friendship crumbles under the weight of a tragedy.

Without giving away any spoilers, let's shift our focus to other aspects of the book, the characters in the book feel incredibly authentic, and the vivid descriptions are so immersive that readers are transported right into the heart of the story, experiencing the same emotions as the characters. The narrative is rich with both moments of joy and profound sadness. This book is exceptional, offering a captivating exploration of an often-overlooked culture. The author's dedication to thorough research and commitment to presenting an authentic historical and cultural narrative sets her apart from other writers in the genre. Despite being a work of historical fiction, each character and event feels incredibly genuine, enabling readers to deeply grasp the cultural reverberations stemming from the era's upheavals.

Exploring Korean culture, the unique traditions of the Haenyeo, and the rich history of Jeju Island through the intertwined stories of these two women was captivating. Lisa See skillfully weaves a wealth of knowledge into this narrative, making it an enriching and engrossing read. The book, with its vivid portrayal and heartfelt empathy, sparked my curiosity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of the Haenyeo culture. The language flows effortlessly, and the pace keeps you engaged throughout. I adore the narration and writing style; the book has completely captured my heart and soul. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all readers—just dive in and experience it for yourself. 

My Rating:

5/5

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