The Island of Sea Women: A Novel

Mi-ja and Young-sook are best friends growing up on the Korean island of Jeju, though they come from very different backgrounds. As they reach adulthood, they join their village's all-female diving collective as haenyeo (sea divers), led by Young-sook's mother. The work offers excitement and responsibility, but also danger. Despite their bond, the two friends struggle with their differences. The novel spans many decades, beginning in the 1930s and 1940s during Japanese colonialism, continuing through World War II and the Korean War, and extending into modern times with contemporary diving equipment. Throughout these periods, Jeju's residents are caught between warring powers. Mi-ja's father collaborates with the Japanese occupiers, while Young-sook is born into a family of haenyeo and will lead the divers herself. Unknown to the friends, external forces will test their relationship severely. The novel depicts a society where women control the diving work and men manage household duties, exploring themes of female friendship and family secrets across generations.