The Island of Sea Women
A Novel
Book - 2019
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Opinion
From Library Staff
From Library Staff
This beautiful, thoughtful novel illuminates a unique and unforgettable culture, one where the women are in charge, engaging in dangerous physical work, and the men take care of the children. A classic Lisa See story—one of women’s friendships and the larger forces that shape them—The Island of S... Read More »
From the critics
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Quotes
Add a QuoteIf eighty-five years have taught her anything, it's that governments come and go and that whoever and whatever comes next will eventually become rotten.' -p.171
“The sea, it is said, is like a mother. The salt water, the pulse and surges of the current, the magnified beat of your heart, and the muffled sounds reverberating through the water together recall the womb.” - p. 22
“No one picks a friend for us; we come together by choice. We are not tied together through ceremony or the responsibility to create a son; we tie ourselves together through moments. The spark when we first meet. Laughter and tears shared. Secrets packed away to be treasured, hoarded, and protected. The wonder that someone can be so different from you and yet still understand your heart in a way no one else ever will.” - p. 36
Comment
Add a CommentI listened to this, and I'm glad I did. There were many unfamiliar words (unfamiliar to me, that is) and I wouldn't have known how to pronounce them if I'd read the book. It's a beautiful story.
Enjoyable read. A bit slow. Endearing characters and well plotted. There is quite a bit of history that I knew nothing about, so very enlightening. An excellent book club selection.
recommended by Soyon
Modern Mrs Darcy
An interesting historical account, not so interesting from a diving/ocean perspective, which I feel is the real weakness of the book. It's too bad it wasn't written by someone who actually dives....scuba/free/snorkel.. there is next to no detail on the actual diving experience. I've come away not having any idea of what the ocean was like other than what they were diving for - sea urchins, abalone, octopus. The best part is the pig latrines - didn't enjoy the interpersonal "saga" so much.
As a Korean born/ US raised child of the 70s, I know very little of my birthplace. This wonderful book seamlessly weaves history, culture and human experiences into a highly entertaining read set in a UNESCO world heritage site.
This is one of the best books I've read in 2020. Lisa See is truly a gifted storyteller.
This was an interesting book. I listened to it which I was glad to have done, because there were many Korean words in it that I would have tripped on if I had read it. The story is very educational about Korean history, the sea women, and interwoven with a story of friendship and the difficulty of forgiveness.
A powerful family saga about growing up in a Matriarchal society on the remote Korean island of Jeju during the Japanese occupation. This is a well written piece of historical fiction about the amazing Sea Women of Korea. Captivating and heart-wrenching all at once.
a surprise matriarchal society -
Full of strong women characters and describes the rich history of the area. Enjoyed the learning about the unique culture of the island.