58th Avenue Book Group: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Join us at the Velma Teague Library in our meeting room for this in-person book discussion on The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. This is a hybrid program, meaning that we will also have a Zoom option. Please email the coordinator at jcoon@glendaleaz.com to obtain the Zoom login information.

The story takes place on a small island off the southern coast of Korea. It is the story of a culture where the women are the bread-winners while the men stay home and take care of the children. The women earn their living by being divers who harvest abalones, octopus and other sea delicacies. They begin training at an early age so they can hold their breath for several minutes. It is a very dangerous and rewarding occupation. Young-sook is the daughter of the head diver who will eventually inherit her mother's position, while Mi-ja is not a child of the diving culture. Instead she is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. As we read their story taking place over many decades we will learn more about Korea and the various wars that have decimated their country.