Lisa SeeThe Island of Sea Women: A Novel

I just finished reading Lis See's, "Island Of Sea Women": a most intriguing, moving, historical novel set in Korea, with examinations of family, tradition, the significant and concerning impacts of the Japanese invasion and colonization of Korea; the effects of WWII on even the most remote islands of Korea; the post war colonization of Korea under the Americans,bringing with it its own seering challenges; ... the (once again, as has happened around the globe such as in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere where other territories have been divide by the 'conquerors' to the ultimate perpetual savagery of humans towards each other: in this case, the outside Western imposition of the separation of Korea into two competing and violent territories towards each other, pitting families against each other and tearing many apart, turbulently, leaving destitution, death, and dismemberment of the sanctity of Life in its wake. The 38th Parallel as it is known: the disingenuous arrangements between the USA and USSR to divide Korea after the war.In thinking about these things further, it really did come at me full force that there were were, again, living in the world of the purest and most co-creative of ancient cultural and economic practices that had worked so efficiently and holistically; a world that functioned well and wisely on the guidance and age-old practices of matriarchs who had been able to keep their families and communities safe and nurtured, only to be decimated, war after war, colonial ignorance and savagery time after time, by warring men whose quest was always for power, sans the ability or wisdom to bring about peace rather than the perpetuation of the decades of violence and devolution that they created.Underlying the well researched stories of those times, was an introduction to the incredible women divers of that region. The tenets of friendship and the part played by indigenous religious practices are also examined, and shares insights into what we believe in a world now overpowered by newer dogmatic ways of religious practices that, in self-serving ways, denounce the practices of the ancients, and naturally breed wars.May we take deep lessons from the writings of authors such as Lisa See, as we birth the world that we DO want.

January’s book club read is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. Going into reading this book I had high hopes to bring it into my World Literature classroom, those hopes have been confirmed. I really enjoyed reading the light it sheds on a culture that is not often taught.This book follows Young-sook through her childhood to great-grandmotherhood. It highlights Jeju culture, the history of this island, and particularly how those we love can betray and hurt us to the deepest, darkest parts of our heart. Young-sook and Mi-ja are best friends from childhood who even travel together as divers who harvest types of shellfish off the ocean floor. Mi-ja is punished for her parents’ sins, and Young-sook’s family see beyond that. When the political climate on the island becomes dangerous they each must choose between their friendship or their new families. The history this book presents and the theme of forgiveness, personal and as a nation, is why this book will stand out as one of my favorite reads of 2022.I really enjoyed the amount of research See brought into this book. Readers are dropped into a whole new world and left to experience and learn the Jeju culture. See also highlights who controlled Jeju and the harm they did to this island through the perspective of a native Jeju. Through the reading of various reviews and her author’s note, Young-sook’s story is authentic and real. The ability to do this is what makes a historical fiction novel timeless. It also is the reason I hope to bring the novel into the classroom. Students do not learn enough about other cultures, especially smaller ones, and this is a goal of mine. Side note: If you have recommendations that follow this please comment below!The only thing I disliked about the novel is how slow some parts felt. I believe they were meant to be character development so readers could be in Young-sook’s shoes and understand why she struggles to forgive but there were quite a few sections that were slow. There were also sections that read like a history textbook, and though I loved this story of Jeju culture, I wish it would have been a bit more creatively done, especially since this is a historical fiction novel and not nonfiction.Overall, I did really enjoy this book and would like further recommendations for books that highlight hidden or commonly forgotten cultures.Rating: 4 starsFavorite Quote: “Life moves fast, and the sun of her life is setting. She doesn’t have much time left to love or hate or forgive. If you try to live, you can live on well.”

I'd been interested in the Jeju haenyeos--the women who free dive for sea food--since watching some excellent Korean shows. This novel is meticulously researched and the characters and their history--from the island's occupation in WW II to the present day-- come fully alive.

Once again, Lisa See transports me to another time and place I've never imagined and builds characters that implant themselves directly into heart in the few days it takes me to tear through her book with her compelling writing. Including history that I had no access to and a fascinating look at women living in a very different cultural model than I've ever known. What a gift this story is. About friendship, loss, the burden mothers and women carry, and terrible, tragic loss. Incredible book.

History, culture, friendship, family, love, death, torment, war, betrayal and so much more. A harrowing story of women on a lonely island which survives from everything the sea can give and take.A must read!