Having read two previous novels by Lisa See, I knew that I would learn a whole new historical aspect of the Asian culture. In The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, See introduces a little known region of China and the ancient making of tea. In China Dolls, she delves into the Chinese entertainment industry during World War II. In this story, a fascinating village in Korea is her focus.
On the Korean island of JeJu during the 1930's and 1940's, women divers were the main breadwinners. The men of the island were the childcare and homecare givers. This unbelievable tale by See is based on the true story of these remarkable women and what they endured under both Japanese and American captivity both during and after the wars that changed their lives.
Although I deeply appreciated the chronicle of the historical events, this novel had some graphic images detailed of the Bukchon Massacre that were difficult for me. I also tend to think that the author does not make me connect with the characters, as the story seems "sterile" and matter of fact, not emotional. Most of my Book Club really enjoyed this, but it just wasn't the best for me.
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