Book Title: The Island of Sea Women
Author: Lisa See
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Length: 374 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the lives of the haenyeo, female divers of Jeju Island in South Korea. See masterfully weaves together history, culture, and personal relationships to create a powerful and unforgettable story.
The novel centers around the friendship between two haenyeo, Mi-ja and Young-sook, who grow up together on Jeju Island and become part of the same diving collective. Through their experiences as haenyeo, we witness the struggles and triumphs of these women as they navigate the complexities of their society and confront the changes brought on by modernization.
At the core of this tale that spans seven decades, beats the enduring bond between two young women, Young-sook and Mi-ja. The latter, an orphan with a traumatic past, found solace in the company of Young-sook, daughter of the revered leader of the diving collective, a role that would one day be inherited by her. The deep friendship that blossomed between them was akin to sisterhood, as they pledged their unbreakable loyalty to each other.
The storyline is interwoven with chapters set in 2008, when Young-sook is an elderly woman, no longer diving but still making daily visits to the beach to collect seaweed. It is during one of these routine outings that she encounters an American family who reveal the fate of Mi-ja. This information prompts a profound shift in Young-sook’s perspective, leading her towards the path of comprehension and forgiveness.
The narrative of this book is a profound and evocative exploration of the human experience and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It is a poignant reminder that even the deepest wounds can eventually heal with time, understanding, and forgiveness.
The Island of Sea Women is a testament to the resilience and strength of women, as well as the enduring power of friendship. See captures the bond between Mi-ja and Young-sook with great tenderness, and their relationship serves as the emotional heart of the novel. As they grow older and face greater challenges, their friendship remains a source of comfort and support.
However, amidst the turbulence of political unrest that gripped their land, the girls’ lives took divergent paths, and a heinous act committed by one led to the fracturing of their bond for several decades. The complex themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption that pervade their story speak to the profound and intricate nature of human relationships, and Lisa See’s deft portrayal of the female connections that bind the families and the diving collective is a testament to her talent in this regard.
The novel’s sweeping narrative spans through the Japanese occupation of the island in the 1930s and 1940s, the ravages of World War II, the Korean War, the communist insurgency, and the tragic April 3, 1948 uprising, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands. The raw depiction of the harsh realities and brutality of these times, although challenging to read, is a testament to the importance of understanding the history that shaped our world.
But beyond the personal story of Mi-ja and Young-sook, The Island of Sea Women is also a richly detailed historical novel that sheds light on the often-overlooked history of Jeju Island. See skillfully integrates real-life events, such as the Jeju Uprising and the Korean War, into the narrative, providing a vivid and nuanced portrayal of the island’s past.
The painstaking effort and unwavering commitment that the author, Lisa See, devoted to research is palpable in this story. The author’s immersive exploration of historical and contemporary accounts of the sea women’s way of life, coupled with her in-person visits to the locations she writes about, and her engagement with people who have vivid memories of the era depicted in the novel, is evident in the masterful and evocative narrative that unfolds.
The reader is transported to a realm of haunting beauty, deeply touching tragedy, and enthralling storytelling. Lisa See deftly blends the rich tapestry of history and the fascinating tales of those who lived it, creating a poignant and utterly captivating account that lingers long after the final page.
At the outset of this novel, I found myself observing from a distance, unable to fully connect emotionally with the story. However, I was intrigued by the captivating portrayal of the haenyo’s life and the diving collective on Jeju Island, a rare matriarchal society that sparked my curiosity.
However, as the story unfolded, the atmosphere changed drastically. The turbulent years of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s provided a harrowing historical context, exposing the brutality of the era.
The full story was only revealed towards the end of the book, leaving a lasting impact on the reader’s psyche. Despite the potential for this book to drag on, Lisa See’s masterful storytelling managed to succinctly capture the essence of the era and the emotional complexity of the characters.
Overall, The Island of Sea Women is a breathtakingly beautiful novel that immerses readers in a world of tradition, friendship, and female empowerment. See’s prose is lyrical and evocative, and her characters are deeply human and unforgettable. This is a must-read for anyone interested in women’s history, Korean culture, or simply a compelling and emotionally resonant story.