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The Island of Sea Women

A Novel

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About this listen

 THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“A mesmerizing new historical novel” (O, The Oprah Magazine) from Lisa See, the bestselling author of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, about female friendship and devastating family secrets on a small Korean island.

Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends who come from very different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective, led by Young-sook’s mother. As the girls take up their positions as baby divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility—but also danger.

Despite their love for each other, Mi-ja and Young-sook find it impossible to ignore their differences. The Island of Sea Women takes place over many decades, beginning during a period of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s, followed by World War II, the Korean War, through the era of cell phones and wet suits for the women divers. Throughout this time, the residents of Jeju find themselves caught between warring empires. Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother’s position leading the divers in their village. Little do the two friends know that forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point.

“This vivid…thoughtful and empathetic” novel (The New York Times Book Review) illuminates a world turned upside down, one where the women are in charge and the men take care of the children. “A wonderful ode to a truly singular group of women” (Publishers Weekly), The Island of Sea Women is a “beautiful story…about the endurance of friendship when it’s pushed to its limits, and you…will love it” (Cosmopolitan). Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Friendship Village Inspiring Heartfelt Imperial Japan Historical Women

What the critics say

"This multigenerational tale of women living on an island off the coast of Korea details a world in which women have power and authority and work hard as deep-sea divers. Two women and their friendship are at the heart of a tale in which war and disruption, including American occupation, destroy some lives and alter others. Jennifer Lim . . . is an appropriate narrator who understands the correct pronunciation of local names and locales. The novel is a beautifully written, sublime piece of fiction."
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I found myself absolutely *moved* by __The Island of Sea Women__. I've never read a book about someone so absolutely distinct from myself that I still felt every moment of joy and sorrow for in such a deep and empathetic way. The story itself is not what I expected -- it was so much better. My imagation could not have created the beautiful views , the intricate relationships, the hints of foreshadowing, that the author created in this beautiful and artistic novel. It changed how I view the world, it changed what I will look for in my taste in books. It taught me , it showed me thoughts I never imagined thinking. I don't think I'll ever quite be the same after reading it.

The narration was beautiful, emotionally evocative, with every sigh or tremble of voice expertly placed. Absolutely perfection.

It changed me

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The book is very interesting and the performance is very good. Through the story of several Haenyeo (female divers) families the reader get some understanding of the unique history of the Jeju island and the life of their citizens before, during, and after the Korean war in 20th century.
I would really recommend this book to other readers/listeners.

Great book!

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I truly enjoyed getting a glimpse into a time in history and a place I knew very little about. The story and the characters drew me in. An excellent read.

Excellent

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This story has given me a want to learn more about their culture and an appreciation for the wisdom that comes with years of life and hardship. Ours elderly deserve more respect.

Wise words

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Wow - how she articulated being a woman in an Korean island society. Masterful.
The narration was excellent in conveying every mood - outstanding.

Narration and Story

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