Super Short Summary

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, explores the deep friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja, two haenyeo divers from Jeju Island, spanning the years 1938 to 2008. The novel depicts their shared experiences as divers, their evolving personal lives, and the impact of historical events on their relationship and island community. Difficult post-war political events severely test their bond, leading to a profound betrayal that takes decades to heal, culminating in a moment of reconciliation in their twilight years. The story underscores themes of friendship, cultural resilience, and forgiveness. The narrative covers sensitive topics related to the historical trauma of wartime massacres.