Reviews

Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Only show reviews with written explanations

kimberlynpeterson50's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An amazingly detailed glimpse into a culture, country, and era I knew almost nothing about. See’s physical descriptions made me feel like I were walking through the villages myself, and I felt her characters’ depth of emotion viscerally. Friendship, family, and tradition are wrapped up in an immensely readable package.

Content Warnings

abeth380's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

bdaigneault's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Content Warnings

jennyluwho's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

‘This had been happening for years now. Imagine that for a moment. Day after day. Month after month. Seeing and smelling death, while mothers still tried to feed, clothe, and comfort their children.’

moonchildimane's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative sad medium-paced

5.0

lkjones19's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mltillery99's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Lisa See has done it again. I want to read everything she writes.

Nobody has ever made me want to pick up a history book like Lisa See - even my best friend who is a history teacher and anthropologist/archaeologist. Her writing style captivates me and leaves me wanting to dive deeper. Hearing history told from a female perspective is so refreshing.

I enjoyed how the narrative weaved together past and present, introducing a new perspective in the chapters set in 2008. The dual timeline enriches the story.

The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja is raw, complex, and beautifully portrayed. A quote from Mi-ja in the chapter "The Ring of Fire," stuck with me: “Many people when they envision being faced with hardship believe they will fight back, but when I was a child and had to live with aunt and uncle, I learned what really happens … by the time I wanted to fight back, I was too weak.” This powerful reflection on resilience and vulnerability is a testament to See's ability to convey profound truths through her characters.

I’m giddy to read more from this author!!!

Content Warnings