The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Jeju Island, South Korea

Lisa See published this wonderful piece of historical fiction in 2019 about Haenyeo, a group of women divers on Jeju Island in South Korea. The main character is Young-Sook, and the book centers around her strong friendship with Mi-Ja.

Young-Sook was born the daughter of a well-respected leader of the village’s divers. Mi-Ja was orphaned and lives with her aunt and uncle who are indifferent towards her, sometimes downright cruel. Young-Sook and Mi-Ja dive together, witnesses several tragedies that bring them closer together. They also enjoy doing charcoal rubbings to remember certain places and events.

Their friendship is tested when they become older and marry while Japanese occupation becomes more tyrannical. Young-Sook is jealous of Mi-Ja for her husband, then the two women find themselves on opposite sides of a bloody uprising.

The book repeatedly bounces forward to 2008 to the preparation of a ceremony commemorating a tragic event from the Korean War. A family approaches Young-Sook, showing her a picture of Mi-Ja and asking if they knew her. Mi-Ja was their grandmother. Young-Sook denies knowing her.

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The most heart wrenching portion of the story takes place during the 4.3 Incident, also known as the Bukchon Massacre. It is estimated that 10% of Jeju’s residents were killed on that horrifying day. Mi-Ja’s husband is connected with the police, so she is escorted out of the line of fire. Young-Sook begs her to take her children (specifically her son) with her, but Mi-Ja does not. Shortly after, See grabs at your heartstrings as we see Young-Sook’s husband, disabled sister-in-law, and young son murdered in quick succession by the police.

Young-Sook perseveres like a true, determined, Haenyo, but she holds in her heart a strong hatred for Mi-Ja (who continues to show up now and again). Young-Sook’s younger daughter marries Mi-Ja’s son (and only child), but even then Young-Sook will not reconcile. She ends up losing touch with her daughter, who moves to America. As it turns out, the family that approaches Young-Sook about Mi-Ja are Young-Sook’s family as well. During the ceremony, Young-Sook listens to a series of interviews in which Mi-Ja describes her version of the events during the 4.3 Incident. Young-Sook finally opens her heart back up to Mi-Ja, forgives her, and spends time getting to know their family.

This was an excellent book, one of the best I’ve read so far this year. However, I don’t agree with the ending. Young-Sook was justified to hate Mi-Ja, and I don’t think there needed to be a redemption arc for Mi-Ja. I know that she was treated horribly by her husband, but she had a chance to save Young-Sook’s children. Why would she let them be killed if she had even a chance to save their lives? I was happy to hear that Mi-Ja’s life continued to be difficult up until she moved to America. I know that is awful, but the tragedy of Young Sook’s child, sister-in-law, and husband really got to me. Mi-Ja did not deserve forgiveness. However, this book definitely deserves a read.

Review by the Numbers:

Overall: 4/5

Writing: 5/5

Plot: 4/5

Character Development: 4/5

Message: 4/5

- South Korea (Reading My Way Around the World Challenge)

- A Book About Asian/Middle Eastern Experiences (My Diversity Challenge)

- A Historical Fiction Featuring Inspiring Women (Uncorked Reading Challenge)

- A Free Book (Borrowed from the Library) (2021 PopSugar Reading Challenge)