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A review by melllllting
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lisa See has done it again. I want to read everything she writes.
Nobody has ever made me want to pick up a history book like Lisa See - even my best friend who is a history teacher and anthropologist/archaeologist. Her writing style captivates me and leaves me wanting to dive deeper. Hearing history told from a female perspective is so refreshing.
I enjoyed how the narrative weaved together past and present, introducing a new perspective in the chapters set in 2008. The dual timeline enriches the story.
The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja is raw, complex, and beautifully portrayed. A quote from Mi-ja in the chapter "The Ring of Fire," stuck with me: “Many people when they envision being faced with hardship believe they will fight back, but when I was a child and had to live with aunt and uncle, I learned what really happens … by the time I wanted to fight back, I was too weak.” This powerful reflection on resilience and vulnerability is a testament to See's ability to convey profound truths through her characters.
I’m giddy to read more from this author!!!
Nobody has ever made me want to pick up a history book like Lisa See - even my best friend who is a history teacher and anthropologist/archaeologist. Her writing style captivates me and leaves me wanting to dive deeper. Hearing history told from a female perspective is so refreshing.
I enjoyed how the narrative weaved together past and present, introducing a new perspective in the chapters set in 2008. The dual timeline enriches the story.
The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja is raw, complex, and beautifully portrayed. A quote from Mi-ja in the chapter "The Ring of Fire," stuck with me: “Many people when they envision being faced with hardship believe they will fight back, but when I was a child and had to live with aunt and uncle, I learned what really happens … by the time I wanted to fight back, I was too weak.” This powerful reflection on resilience and vulnerability is a testament to See's ability to convey profound truths through her characters.
I’m giddy to read more from this author!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse