THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN

This magnificent new novel has it all: fascinating history, strong female characters and a story full of surprises. The Island of Sea Women centers on a group of haenyeo, the women divers of Jeju Island in Korea, known for their traditional customs, matrifocal society and fierce determination as they harvest edible treasures from the depths of the ocean. The story focuses on Young-sook, from her childhood in the 1930s to the present day, and how dangerous work and the perils of war affect her relationship with her closest friend and fellow haenyeo, Mi-ja. The meaning of friendship, family, redemption, forgiveness are explored beautifully in this unique and captivating story. This novel is a new favorite!

This book was gifted to me by my amazing, thoughtful friend who also happens to be an aficionado and culinary talent when it comes to Korean cuisine. So when I asked her to help me prepare something special for Island of Sea Women, naturally she showed up at my door with otherworldly enoki, delicious-smelling greens that are “in the chrysanthemum family” and scallions as wide as my arm. She assembled this gorgeous seafood stew that looked so pretty in the prep stage I had to photograph it pre-cooking. I couldn’t help but think how grateful Young-sook and her family would be for these beautiful creatures, and how long they’d hold their breath for a chance to capture each one. All hail the haenyeo ….

If you loved this book be sure to check out some amazing photographs by Hyung S. Kim of some of Jeju’s last remaining haenyeo!!