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A review by sarmenta_99
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
5.0
Set on Jeju Island, The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See is a captivating story that immerses readers into the lives of haenyeo—fearless female divers who risk their lives to provide for their families. From the very first chapter, we are introduced to Young-Sook and Mi-ja, two women whose friendship and fate are intertwined by love, sacrifice, and the tumultuous history of their island.
What sets this book apart is how it highlights the role reversals in Jeju’s matriarchal society. Women are the breadwinners, diving into the sea, while men stay behind—a stark contrast to traditional gender roles. I loved how See brought this dynamic to life, flipping everything we think we know about societal norms. Yet, as beautiful as the friendship and cultural exploration are, war and political unrest soon cast a dark shadow over the island.
Lisa See has once again brought to life a part of history that I knew nothing about, weaving in so many important lessons about culture, family, duty, and the strength of women. This is not just a story about two women—it’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and the power of the sea that connects them all.
Quotes:
• “Here I was, going to work, helping to feed and care for my family, and becoming a part of the long tradition of haenyeo. Suddenly, I felt like a woman.” (Page 12)
• “Every woman who enters the sea carries a coffin on her back.”
• “The sea is better than your mother. The sea is forever.”
What sets this book apart is how it highlights the role reversals in Jeju’s matriarchal society. Women are the breadwinners, diving into the sea, while men stay behind—a stark contrast to traditional gender roles. I loved how See brought this dynamic to life, flipping everything we think we know about societal norms. Yet, as beautiful as the friendship and cultural exploration are, war and political unrest soon cast a dark shadow over the island.
Lisa See has once again brought to life a part of history that I knew nothing about, weaving in so many important lessons about culture, family, duty, and the strength of women. This is not just a story about two women—it’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and the power of the sea that connects them all.
Quotes:
• “Here I was, going to work, helping to feed and care for my family, and becoming a part of the long tradition of haenyeo. Suddenly, I felt like a woman.” (Page 12)
• “Every woman who enters the sea carries a coffin on her back.”
• “The sea is better than your mother. The sea is forever.”