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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
An outstanding novel telling of a world & culture that is quite outside the experience of readers, but the then of friendship, betrayal & forgiveness is universal. The complex story woven around the incredible diving women of Korea has deep cultural, historical & social resonances through the story of the friendship of Young-Sook & Mi-Ja. The story details the culture and commerce of the Koreans who live on Jeju Island, namely the women who make up the collective of haenyeo, women divers who harvest undersea gardens of conch, seaweed, octopus, sea urchins, abalone and more. Diving in frigid waters throughout most of the year, without air tanks, they support their community while the men tend to the babies and children, cook and laze around the village center.
Beautiful. I've recommended this book a dozen times.
This information in this historical novel is well researched and fascinating but it took me a long time to finish this book. I just didn't love the characters. But I learned a lot.
This book explains a lot of how Korean culture is shaped, even today, by the sorrows of WWII, and other colonizations and military actions. It talks about the diaspora that surrounded the Bukchon massacre and the 4.3 incident. ( That reminded me of the killing fields in Cambodia). There is way more to this book, than a friendship between two women who are divers.
“ Haenyeo (also spelled haenyo) (Hangul: 해녀; lit. "sea women") are female divers in the South Korean province of Jeju, whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. Known for their independent spirit, iron will and determination, haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju”
“ Haenyeo (also spelled haenyo) (Hangul: 해녀; lit. "sea women") are female divers in the South Korean province of Jeju, whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. Known for their independent spirit, iron will and determination, haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju”
Amazing. Incredible piece of history. The cruelty and horror for those people after the incident on JeJu island is awful. The strength of these women and their collectives is absolutely astonishing! I really enjoyed learning about the haenyao.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Wow, beautiful book. So sad, but tender. And really interesting history and culture that I previously knew nothing about.
I learned so much through reading this meticulously researched novel. And the story captivated me too. I will read this one again and look forward to sharing it with my daughter when she’s older. It is powerful.
well written book. Great insight into the Japanese occupancy of Korea during the 1900's. A testament to the resilency of women during this time of oppression and occupancy.
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes