The Island of Sea Women: A Novel Hardcover – March 5, 2019

I just finished reading Lis See's, "Island Of Sea Women": a most intriguing, moving, historical novel set in Korea, with examinations of family, tradition, the significant and concerning impacts of the Japanese invasion and colonization of Korea; the effects of WWII on even the most remote islands of Korea; the post war colonization of Korea under the Americans,bringing with it its own seering challenges; ... the (once again, as has happened around the globe such as in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere where other territories have been divide by the 'conquerors' to the ultimate perpetual savagery of humans towards each other: in this case, the outside Western imposition of the separation of Korea into two competing and violent territories towards each other, pitting families against each other and tearing many apart, turbulently, leaving destitution, death, and dismemberment of the sanctity of Life in its wake. The 38th Parallel as it is known: the disingenuous arrangements between the USA and USSR to divide Korea after the war.In thinking about these things further, it really did come at me full force that there were were, again, living in the world of the purest and most co-creative of ancient cultural and economic practices that had worked so efficiently and holistically; a world that functioned well and wisely on the guidance and age-old practices of matriarchs who had been able to keep their families and communities safe and nurtured, only to be decimated, war after war, colonial ignorance and savagery time after time, by warring men whose quest was always for power, sans the ability or wisdom to bring about peace rather than the perpetuation of the decades of violence and devolution that they created.Underlying the well researched stories of those times, was an introduction to the incredible women divers of that region. The tenets of friendship and the part played by indigenous religious practices are also examined, and shares insights into what we believe in a world now overpowered by newer dogmatic ways of religious practices that, in self-serving ways, denounce the practices of the ancients, and naturally breed wars.May we take deep lessons from the writings of authors such as Lisa See, as we birth the world that we DO want.

Fascinating story of Korean women who would dive for food for their families. 1940’s through 1980.

Two friends spend their lives loving and hating each other, being haunted by the mistakes affecting them and their haenyeo community. They are women divers who have learned to dive without the use of diving masks, oxygen or any other supportive equipment. They rely on learning to breathe in vital air and breathe out the song of sumbisori, air let out with a unique sound for each woman.They live on Jeju Island off the southern coast of Korea, a land they believe was created by the Shaman Goddesses, creating a land of lava rocks, cones and walls. The residents have created a matriarchal society loved by each resident. Their story is a celebration of life!Young-Sook has tremendous respect for her mother who is Chief of the haenyeo in one of the local communities until she dies in an accident while diving. Another young woman has another accident that changes her life forever. Their work guarantees survival, especially in the troublesome times that soon follow. Jeju Island residents are the subjects of the Japanese Army who have invaded the country and mandated laws of behavior, inflicting death on many for the slightest infraction of rules.Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. This reputation haunts her for her entire life. Even though Young-Sook’s mother takes her in with kindness and teachers her to be a haenyeo, Young Sook’s grandmother despises her and will never trust her, a belief that will literally become part of Mi-ja’s choices during one of the most tragic, devastating moments of the story. Young Sook marries the love of her life but Mi-ja marries a man who is evil personified, an act none will understand until it is too late and after too much betrayal and damage. An uprising called the 4.3 incident instigates the death of thousands. The deaths to three members of Young-Sook’s family are tragically depicted, all because of Mi-ja’s response to a request begged by her best friend.The love between these two women will stay strong, although readers will for a time doubt the primitive and passionate aspects of that love. Scientists and sociologists will make this community a subject of lengthy study and amazed respect! It is the children of these women who will clarify truth for them and the readers. These pages commemorate a truly unique and amazing story that readers will never forget! This is astonishing historical fiction, a must read for all!

A great story of friendship and heartache. intertwined with history. My kind of book. I would Highly recommend this book.

History, culture, friendship, family, love, death, torment, war, betrayal and so much more. A harrowing story of women on a lonely island which survives from everything the sea can give and take.A must read!

True to form, Lisa See did not shy away from the brutality of history to mold the events of her book. The Japanese were absolutely not kind to the Koreans. For the characters, the ocean provides sustenance, food, and income, but it also doles out death and peril as easily as yet another wave crashing on the shore. The characters also face the challenges of unprecedented historical change, poignant trauma, the clash of modernity and ancient traditions, and a sweet friendship that becomes fractured over time.One thing she wrote has lingered with me since then, if it was truly used in Korea. At a funeral, ribbons of one color are attached to ceremonial wands and waved around a grieving person. Then, ribbons of another color that were attached to different ceremonial wands were waved around that same person. This struck me as amazing wisdom in making abstract emotions and thoughts during a time of duress (funeral) in to a physical form to acknowledge a grieving person's pain and to signal that their life and minds have changed from grieving to surviving afterwards.

incredible writing, I wish it didn’t end. Thank you for making this world of the haenyeo and 4.3 accessible Ms see. Thank you.