The Island of Sea Women

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What did you find most surprising, moving, or distressing about the characters and their story? Which aspects of this time period and culture would you like to learn more about? 
• Lisa See is also the author of Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, On Gold Mountain, Peony in Love, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, among other titles. Have you read any of her other works? What commonalities do you see between her other works and The Island of Sea Women? 
• If you have also read Sumi Hahn’s The Mermaid from Jeju or encountered other media dealing with the haenyeo, how would you compare See’s treatment of this subject? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The Island of Sea Women is a work of historical fiction. Do you enjoy reading about history? Do you prefer historical fiction or nonfiction, and why? How do your preferences impact your engagement with See’s ideas?
• The way of life of the haenyeo is dying out by the end of the novel.