The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, a Book Review

Did you know that there is an island called Jeju in South Korea, where women survived as sea divers in the mid-20th century and sustained their families with seafood?

Called the haenyeo, these women free-dived into the Sea of Japan wearing cotton suits and masks to grab abalone, squid, and octopus. They held their breath for two to three minutes per dive, reaching depths of 30 to 65 feet, and dove for hours each day, often in cold water. They began training for diving around age 10, and some continued diving well into their 70s and 80s.

As the primary breadwinners in their households, these women developed a special relationship with the sea. It became a solace and a friend. They also learned its danger and unpredictability.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See is a story about the culture of the haenyeo and the island of Jeju, Korea. In addition, the novel demonstrates the impact and ramifications of the Japanese occupation and WWII on Korea, the eventual split of the country into North and South Korea, the 4.3 massacre, and more. The author writes about two divers who become best friends since childhood and how forces beyond their control sever their bond once they are older.

You will find themes of matriarchy, superstition, culture, ritual, community, war, friendship, forgiveness, abuse, and the roles of men and women throughout this historical fictional narrative. Lisa See uses the metaphor of the sea – its rigidity and also its flow – to explain the emotions experienced by the two main characters, Young Sook and Mija. It is a compelling read.

It was a pleasure to read this book. I learned about Korean culture and the impacts of World War II and the Korean War not only on the island of Jeju, but also in the rest of Korea. The strength and resilience of the women who lived during those times is second to none. The prose is beautiful. The character development is first-rate.

I recommend The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See to historical fiction fans, those interested in Korea and World War II narratives, and students of Asian history or Jeju Island and the haenyeo. You will not be disappointed!

A bit about the author, Lisa See

photo credit: author website

Historical fiction writer Lisa See is the New York Times bestselling author of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, China Dolls, and Dreams of Joy, which debuted at number one.

She is also the author of On Gold Mountain, which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles. See was the recipient of the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and the Historymaker’s Award from the Chinese American Museum. See was also named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women.

Her latest book, Daughters of the Sun and Moon, a story about three Chinese women’s survival in post-civil Los Angeles, is available for preorder.

To learn more about Lisa See or to purchase a copy of The Island of Sea Women, visit her website, LisaSee.com.