I am a huge fan of Lisa See. She has written so much historic Asian fiction, and it is all complex, well-researched, and emotionally charged. See pulls the strings on such dynamic characters. I have most of her books sitting on my shelves, and I’ve even scooped up spare copies to distribute to friends.
Long before I found The Island of Sea Women on Netgalley, I had The Island of Sea Women on my TBR list. Imagine my pure elation to receive an ARC of this wonderful book. Hashtag blessed, I’m telling you, people!
The Island of Sea Women features a fleet of women who dive into the sea to collect sea life surrounding their small Korean island called Jeju. Young Sook, a haenyeo, is our protagonist, who we follow from childhood to her golden years, as she experiences all the facets of life – love, motherhood, and most painful of all, loss. She has success in her career, but the pain and bitterness from her broken or lost relationships is insidious. I’d emerge from the book somber but reflective. Don’t get me wrong, just because this book had its sad points doesn’t take away from how incredibly wonderful it is.
See did her homework. She richly describes a matrifocal society that has developed a culture independent from the rest of the Korea. Living in a world where most of the societies I have been exposed to are patriarchal, it felt so refreshing and exciting to learn about a collective of women with such strength and a sense of leadership. I was absolutely thrilled to read about this culture I have never even heard of. I’m closing this book knowing I have learned so much. I have such appreciation for Lisa See’s work, and I cannot wait to read anything else she may release into the world.