The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Chi Chapter's World Understanding Book Club!

One Maryland One Book!

Maryland Humanities recently announced the selection of “The Island of Sea Women,” a novel by Lisa See, for the 2020 One Maryland One Book program. 

“For the past 12 years, One Maryland One Book has generated frank conversations about urgent issues explored through literature — including refugees and migrants, conflicts with police, and most recently the Flint water crisis,” said Aaron Heinsman, Acting Executive Director at Maryland Humanities, in a news release. “I’m excited to see what new perspectives Lisa See’s novel surfaces for readers.“

The novel follows the decades-long friendship of two haenyeo (female divers) from Jeju Island in Korea. The book was chosen by a committee of librarians, educators, authors and bibliophiles in February from more than 165 titles suggested last fall by readers across the state for the theme, “Friendship.” In 2019, “The Island of Sea Women” made the NEW YORK TIMES’ list of best sellers.

Where are we?

Jeju province encompasses the South Korean island of Jeju in the Korea Strait. It's known for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes.

Area: 714 mi²

Population: 695,519 (Apr 2020)

Poll

Which THEME stood out to you as a reader?

• Strength of Women

• Importance/role of family

• Perseverance of Culture

• Forgiveness

Multiple Choice

The Haenyeo are respected for having a matrifocial culture. What does it mean?

• A culture based on men.

• A culture based on women

• A culture that is negative toward women.

• A culture that is negative toward men.

Discussion

In The Island of Sea Women, there’s an expectation that a daughter should follow in her mother’s footsteps.

Did this surprise you? Discuss how common you think it is even today for daughters to follow in their mothers’ footsteps—

personally or professionally.

Multiple Choice

When Young-sook and Mi-ja are fifteen, Young-sook’s mother says to them: “You are like sisters, and I expect you to take care of each other today and every day as those tied by blood would do.” How are these words of warning?

• The relationship is one of great importance.

• Their relationship is to protect each other for life.

• They are not real sisters.

• One of them is adopted.

Multiple Choice

The role of men and women changed over the course of the first 30-years of the story.

• True

• False

Time to Talk

What does the reader learn about this culture’s beliefs and traditions, even after repeated natural disasters strike Jeju? 

What people in your life have had the most influence on shaping who you are today?

Take a moment to answer by raising your hand.

Korean Religions Today

• The majority of South Koreans (56.1%, as of the 2015 national census) are irreligious. Christianity and Buddhism are the dominant confessions among those who affiliate with a formal religion. Protestantism represents (19.7%) of the total population, Korean Buddhism (15.5%), and Catholicism (7.9%).