Summary: "The Island of Sea Women: A Novel" by Lisa See | Discussion Prompts

by bestof.me

Lisa See, the author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, writes a new novel about family secrets and female friendship on one small Korean island. See’s new novel The Island of Sea Women is set on the beautiful island of Jeju in Korea. Young-sook and Mi-ja are best friends who hailed from very different backgrounds. When the two were grown up, they started working in the sea where the diving collective of their village worked. The group is composed of only women divers, and they are led by the mother of Young-sook. As the two friends take up their positions as the new divers, they begin a life of duty, excitement, and danger. The Island of Sea Women is a beautiful, provocative and thoughtful novel that sheds light on a world turned upside down. This world is led and dominated by women who courageously engage in dangerous physical work, while their men are in charge of caring for the children. The Island of Sea Women is another classic story by Lisa See that talks about the friendships that women share and the larger forces that ultimately shape them. Lisa See’s The Island of Sea Women introduces the readers to the dramatic history that shaped the lives of the fierce female divers of Jeju Island.



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Genres: Fiction

52 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2019

Reviews

[Karen Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads this year. A haunting novel about the women of Korea who dived for for to sell. Also told the story of the 2 Korea's. The tragedy, life, and persistence of the women was incredible.

[Phyllis Relyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa See's latest book

I really enjoyed learning about this new culture; however, I had a hard time identifying with the characters because I cannot swim!! Let alone hold my breath for five minutes in ice cold water!! I did identify with the the themes of friendship, loss, and history. Highly recommended for Lisa See fans!

[Claudette Wielechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The haenyeo women of Jeju Island, off the coast of Korea, are known for their skill at diving in the ocean for sea urchins, turban shells, sea snails, and abalone to feed their families and to sell to support their husbands and children. Most of the men take care of the children,making meals and doing the laundry while receiving an allowance from their wives.
Young-sook and Ma-Ja are good friends until tragedy and hatred separates them.
This story shows the trials and tribulations that the people of the island went through under Japanese occupation, during World War II, the Korean War, occupation by the Americans, the April 4.3 incident during which 30-60,000 people on the island were killed by their own countrymen up to the present day.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but initially was disappointed as I was hoping for more focus on the life and culture of the Haenyeo female divers from the South Korean province of Jeju. Although I learned more than I knew before, the story centered on friendship and how differences can so hugely impact even the strongest of bonds. Once I realized this, I found the storytelling to be very compelling and I could feel the pain and emotions of the characters. It certainly piqued my interest in researching more about the Haenyeo.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction fluctuating between World War II and 2008. The story got into relationships and friendship tested repeatedly between Mi-ja and Young-sook. As a child Mi-ja was cared for by an aunt and uncle, but in reality Do-sueng (Young-sook's mother) cared for her like a daughter.
Story dealt with the Japanese control over Korea during the war. To this day, the Koreans do not like the Jananese.

[Donna Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an education I received in addition to enjoying a wonderful story. The beauty of the island & the culture was juxtaposed with the brutality of the occupiers & harsh poverty. The women's friendships reminded me of Snow Flower & the Secret Fan, another favorite book. The research Lisa See did was obvious and the diving women really came alive in this story.

[Miri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting story focuses on the changing friendship of two Haenyeo, the women in Korea who dive into the sea to gather food for their livelihood. The novel time jumps to expose the tragic and true history of Jeju Island during and after WWII, and the changing relationships of the fictional characters.

[Cora Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book for it’s sharing of a fascinating culture and economy. Unique story and well told.

[Kristine Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was highly recommended to me, but I was not loving it. I finished it, but definitely not one I would recommend