Reviews

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

twellz's review against another edition

4.0

Although this is a work of historical fiction, The Island of Sea Women almost masquerades as nonfiction. I really enjoyed learning about the “haenyo" community: Korean women who harvest ocean creatures with no oxygen tanks. These women support the family with their ocean bounty while their husbands stay home & take care of the children. Lisa See is an expert in shedding light onto cultures that are not often taught.

The story is told through the history of two haenyeo divers from the Korean island of Jeju, best friends Young-sook & Mi-ja. It spans the years 1938-2008…from the rule of the Japanese (who invaded the island), to the U. S. forces in WWII (who take over South Korea), & the Korean military (who were just as cruel to their own people as past invaders).

Young-sook takes you on a life-long journey from her childhood through being a great-grandmother. Her story shows how those we love can betray & hurt us but lacking forgiveness can hurt your soul & the people around you more. Sometimes the bitterness you carry isn’t worth it.

Quote on friendship I liked:
“How different it is with friendship. No one picks a friend for us; we come together by choice. We are not tied together through ceremony or the responsibility to create a son; we tie ourselves together through moments. The spark when we first meet. Laughter and tears shared. Secrets packed away to be treasured, hoarded, and protected. The wonder that someone can be so different from you and yet still understand your heart in a way no one else ever will.”

I think this was an interesting read but not my favorite from Lisa See because it’s kind of depressing. I’d recommend the Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

mclerce's review against another edition

dark informative reflective sad medium-paced

3.25

Big story about a haenyeo (Korean sea woman). It was full of guilt, friendship and forgiveness. There was just a little to much history lesson in it for me to really feel for the characters. 

bicoastaljet's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

lauderbaugh's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

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. 

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