The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See Summary

The Island of Sea Women follows Mi-ja and Young-sook, two friends on Jeju Island, South Korea, as they navigate decades of hardship, from Japanese colonialism to the Korean War, while working in an all-female diving collective (haenyeo). The novel explores their fractured friendship amid societal upheaval, family secrets, and the resilience of women in a matriarchal maritime culture.

Fans of historical fiction, Korean culture, or stories about female resilience will appreciate this book. It’s ideal for readers interested in matriarchal societies, postwar trauma, or complex friendships tested by betrayal and cultural shifts.

Yes—Lisa See’s meticulous research into haenyeo culture and Jeju’s history, combined with a gripping narrative about loyalty and forgiveness, makes this a compelling read. Critics praise its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of women’s endurance.

Key themes include female empowerment, the burdens of guilt and forgiveness, the impact of colonialism and war, and the tension between tradition and modernity. The haenyeo’s symbiotic relationship with the sea mirrors the characters’ struggles and resilience.

The novel spans the 1930s–2000s, weaving in events like Japan’s occupation, WWII, the 1948 Jeju Uprising, and the Korean War. These conflicts disrupt the haenyeo way of life, forcing characters to confront violence, loss, and political betrayal.

The haenyeo (female divers) symbolize matriarchal strength, economic independence, and environmental stewardship. Their communal diving practices and rituals anchor the narrative, contrasting with the patriarchal norms of mainland Korea.

Mi-ja, daughter of a Japanese collaborator, faces lifelong stigma, while Young-sook comes from a respected haenyeo lineage. Their differing social statuses and choices during traumatic events strain their bond, culminating in a pivotal betrayal.

The 1948 Jeju Uprising and subsequent massacres, the Korean War, and postwar authoritarianism reshape the protagonists’ lives. These events expose ideological divides and force harrowing moral decisions.

Motherhood is portrayed through haenyeo traditions, where women provide for their families while men care for children. The story examines maternal sacrifice, grief, and the legacy of secrets across generations.

Some readers note the dense historical detail slows pacing, while others find the ending overly sentimental. However, most praise its immersive depiction of Jeju and the haenyeo’s vanishing way of life.

Like The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, it highlights marginalized women’s communities and cultural erasure. However, this novel uniquely focuses on Korean history and intergenerational trauma.

The sea represents both sustenance and danger, reflecting the haenyeo’s resilience. It serves as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability and the characters’ emotional depths—calm surfaces hiding turbulent undercurrents.

The conclusion emphasizes reconciliation and healing, suggesting that understanding and forgiveness can bridge decades of pain. Young-sook’s final actions underscore the enduring power of empathy.