40 pages • 1 hour read
Lisa SeeThe Island of Sea Women
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, explores the deep friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja, two haenyeo divers from Jeju Island, spanning the years 1938 to 2008. The novel depicts their shared experiences as divers, their evolving personal lives, and the impact of historical events on their relationship and island community. Difficult post-war political events severely test their bond, leading to a profound betrayal that takes decades to heal, culminating in a moment of reconciliation in their twilight years. The story underscores themes of friendship, cultural resilience, and forgiveness. The narrative covers sensitive topics related to the historical trauma of wartime massacres.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lisa See’s The Island of Sea Women delves into the lives of two female divers on Jeju Island, celebrating their resilience and friendship. Reviews praise its rich historical context and strong character development. Some found the pacing slow and the historical details overwhelming. Overall, it is a poignant tale of friendship and cultural heritage.
Who Should Read The Island of Sea Women?
Readers who relish historical fiction with strong, complex female characters will be captivated by Lisa See's The Island of Sea Women. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club will appreciate its poignant exploration of friendship and resilience amid cultural and historical upheavals.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Korean Literature
Korean War
Post-War Era
Asian Literature
Life/Time: The Past
Relationships: Friendship
Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness