“The Island of the Sea Women” follows a woman throughout her life as a diver (Haenyo dive without equipment) on the South Korean island of Jeju. This book weaves between past and present to understand her story. It also gives insight to the social and political struggles on Jeju throughout her life, including Japanese annexation, colonization, and WWII.
I liked how different this book felt. I had never heard of Jeju or Haenyo and this book was able to teach so much history and culture while still telling a fictional story. It didn’t shy away from any of the hardships and often left me feeling… depressed, hopeless, etc. But it also provided hope and encouragement. When a book can make me feel so many emotions, that’s a good book.
Three words that describe this book: Educational, unique, intriguing
You might want to pick this book up if: I was wanting a story about a culture I didn’t know much about but wanted to learn more.
-Lauren
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
