Scan barcode
carolynrasp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a beautiful and heart wrenching historical novel about two women on Jeju Island and their friendship as the island changed during WWII, the aftermath, the Korean War, and on to 2008. It covered so much but in a way that flowed beautifully, and I loved learning about the haenyeo. This was incredibly well researched, right down to their love of the book Heidi.
TW for some violence, domestic abuse, and death. All of it made complete sense for the story, the historical accuracy, and never felt like it was trying to sensationalize anything.
TW for some violence, domestic abuse, and death. All of it made complete sense for the story, the historical accuracy, and never felt like it was trying to sensationalize anything.
chasejon's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
I struggled from the start to trust our narrator and her limited perspective. The ending of this book felt rushed and mostly unsatisfying, although I liked elements of it. Beyond those flaws, though, this is an interesting story about friendship, family, and tradition, and the way each of those bend and break under the pressure of tragedy. The turns this book took were shocking as well, and after a somewhat slower start, the majority of this book was dynamic.
moonystoast333's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hannaheglane's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
clairesle's review against another edition
5.0
This is potentially my favorite read of 2021. Lisa See has done it again: transporting me to another time and place, taking me through heartache and happiness and sisterhood. I loved this book so much, I honestly might buy it from the bookstore!!
faus_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hayleycorell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
emcbuckett's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book feels more like a biography than the kind of historical fiction I’m accustomed to. Very, very historically based. It’s very informative and I feel like I learned a lot about the culture and historical conflict. That being said, it’s NOT an easy read. I think it’s worthwhile, but it’s TOUGH. Content warnings should be taken seriously.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Child death, Death, Violence, War, and Grief
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Mass/school shootings, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, and Mental illness
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Alcoholism, and Torture
amyl2112's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
caroline_hutchison's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75