poleksya's review against another edition
5.0
First book of 2022! And it was a great start. A heartbreaking one, but still great. I wasn't consumed by a book like this in a while. I forgot how much I love historical fiction. I was totally unfamiliar with history of this part of the world during the WWII and it was fascinating. I found Hana's story a bit more interesting, but Emi's parts, although sad, were a nice break from all the violence that these women had to endure. Even though I found Hana's parts more interesting, I'm glad that Emi's life was included too as it shows the consequences and the devastation the war caused even on generations to come.
jaspreet2's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brock111's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story of two Korean sisters during WWII. I will definitely look for more
by this author.
by this author.
sinnie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
hollyg35's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Slavery, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Sexual violence
zmariliat's review against another edition
4.0
TW/gatilho: violência sexual
"A lista de mulheres que são estupradas em tempos de guerra é longa e vai continuar crescendo a menos que nós incluamos o sofrimento das mulheres em tempos de guerra em livros de história, que recordemos em museus as atrocidades cometidas contra elas".
A vida das irmãs Hana e Emi me colocou de cara com um pedacinho da história tão negligenciado pela nossa educação tão euro centrada. Cada capítulo narrado por Hana me deixava angustiada, frustrada e aflita. Por outro lado, a história da Emi era um respiro, mesmo sendo tão cheia de dor, luto e solidão. Vi nas duas a fragilidade de meninas obrigadas a viver uma realidade que não cabia a elas, e que não deveria caber a nenhuma outra menina no mundo. Mas também vi a força que elas encontravam, nos momentos mais difíceis, ao viver lembranças de dias mais simples, pensando no amor dos pais, na liberdade do mar, no riso uma da outra. A ligação das haenyeo é fascinante, indescritível mesmo.
Apesar de dolorosa, sou grata por ter feito essa leitura. Favoritado demais.
"A lista de mulheres que são estupradas em tempos de guerra é longa e vai continuar crescendo a menos que nós incluamos o sofrimento das mulheres em tempos de guerra em livros de história, que recordemos em museus as atrocidades cometidas contra elas".
A vida das irmãs Hana e Emi me colocou de cara com um pedacinho da história tão negligenciado pela nossa educação tão euro centrada. Cada capítulo narrado por Hana me deixava angustiada, frustrada e aflita. Por outro lado, a história da Emi era um respiro, mesmo sendo tão cheia de dor, luto e solidão. Vi nas duas a fragilidade de meninas obrigadas a viver uma realidade que não cabia a elas, e que não deveria caber a nenhuma outra menina no mundo. Mas também vi a força que elas encontravam, nos momentos mais difíceis, ao viver lembranças de dias mais simples, pensando no amor dos pais, na liberdade do mar, no riso uma da outra. A ligação das haenyeo é fascinante, indescritível mesmo.
Apesar de dolorosa, sou grata por ter feito essa leitura. Favoritado demais.
overlookingcovers's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely heartbreaking. I know next to nothing about the Japanese occupation of Korea. This is not an easy read, but it definitely a must read. Hana and Emi are sisters. When a Japanese soldier shows up on the beach that both Hana and Emi are on, Hana presents herself to the soldier in the hopes that he won’t notice Emi. He doesn’t notice Emi, and Hana is quickly captured and whisked away to a brothel. There starts Hana’s heartbreaking story.
The book flips between Hana’s perspective in the 1940s and Emi’s perspective in the present. This story is gripping, emotional, and frustrating. Both women undergo such terrible events and you keep hoping for a happy ending, or at least a resolution. But will they get one?
The book flips between Hana’s perspective in the 1940s and Emi’s perspective in the present. This story is gripping, emotional, and frustrating. Both women undergo such terrible events and you keep hoping for a happy ending, or at least a resolution. But will they get one?
ankewesterman's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
vick_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ju_beluzzo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0