num_pages: 374
description: Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781501154850Set on the Korean island of Jeju The Island of Sea Women follows Mi-ja and Young-sook two girls from very different backgrounds as they begin working in the sea with their villages all-female diving collective. Over many decadesthrough the Japanese colonialism of the 1930s and 1940s World War II the Korean War and the era of cellphones and wet suits for the women diversMi-ja and Young-sook develop the closest of bonds. Nevertheless their differences are impossible to ignore: Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator forever marking her and Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mothers position leading the divers. After hundreds of dives and years of friendship forces outside their control will push their relationship to the breaking point.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 storyone of womens friendships and the larger forces that shape themThe Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives.
language: English
title: The Island of Sea Women
publisher: Scribner