The Island of Sea Women

I really, really enjoyed this book! Taking place over many years and through horrifying historical events, the Island of Sea Women opened my eyes to a lot of Korean history I have never learned about before and about these amazing and interesting women whose unique culture, history and beliefs drive them to provide for their families by the dangerous trade of sea diving. At its heart though, this book has an emotional backbone that gave it real life. The friendship between two girls from youth to womanhood and through tumultuous times, hardships and changes was the core of the story and had me invested from start to finish. A story that centres on female friendships is so rare it seems, that this was a breathe of fresh air. Their joy, loss, heartbreak, family ties, community and so much more was explored in this story and it made me ache for both of them in ways that surprised me and had me thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it - a mark of a really excellent story. It will pull at your heart strings, but also gives you a lot of information to chew on. I definitely want to learn more about these women and their unique, but tough lifestyle. I was inspired and in awe of them for sure. This the first book I've read of Lisa See's and I will definitely check out her other work. She crafted such an amazing, inspiring story out of a little known people, place and time. Highly recommended!