The Island of Sea Women

Set against the backdrop of Jeju Island, this novel traces the lives of two women, Mi-ja and Young-sook, who become inseparable while working as haenyeo, the island’s famous female divers. Their friendship spans decades, enduring the upheavals of Japanese colonialism, World War II, and the Korean War. As they navigate the physical dangers of the sea and the social complexities of their community, their bond is tested by the deep-seated tensions of their respective backgrounds: Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator, while Young-sook comes from a lineage of divers destined to lead the collective. The narrative explores how historical trauma and personal identity shape their relationship, ultimately pushing it to its breaking point.

Description adapted from Open Library ↗.