Lisa See delivers a richly researched historical novel that follows Young-sook and Mi-ja, two women from Jeju Island whose lifelong friendship is tested by war, ideology, and tragedy. Set primarily in the mid-20th century, the story centers on the haenyeo—Korea's famous female divers who harvest the sea without breathing equipment.

See excels at bringing this unique culture to vivid life, detailing the dangerous underwater work, the matriarchal society it creates, and the deep bonds between the diving women. The novel spans decades, from Japanese occupation through the Korean War to modern times, using this historical backdrop to explore themes of survival, betrayal, and the complex nature of memory.

Young-sook narrates most of the story as an elderly woman reflecting on her past, creating an elegiac tone that suits the material well. See's prose is accessible and immersive, making the cultural details feel natural rather than forced. The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja feels authentic in its complexity—these women love each other deeply but also harbor resentments and misunderstandings that feel painfully real.

However, the novel's ambitious scope sometimes works against it. The pacing drags in the middle sections, and some historical events feel more dutiful than organic to the story. The frame narrative of elderly Young-sook occasionally feels heavy-handed, and certain plot developments rely too heavily on coincidence. Additionally, while See clearly did extensive research, some readers may find the cultural exposition overwhelming.

This book will strongly appeal to readers who enjoyed 'Pachinko' or other multigenerational Asian family sagas, fans of historical fiction about lesser-known cultures, and anyone interested in stories about female friendship and resilience. Those seeking fast-paced plots or contemporary settings should look elsewhere. Readers who struggle with books covering traumatic historical events (including sexual violence and political persecution) should also be prepared for difficult content. Despite its flaws, 'The Island of Sea Women' succeeds as both an engaging story and a window into a fascinating culture.