This book had me from beginning to end. The middle and end had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat. I learned not only some new Korean terms, thanks to the definitions at the back of the book, but also a little history and insight into these amazing Haenyeo women. I had a little knowledge of these amazing divers as a close friend’s mother was one of them, but this book really brought these women to life for me in a new way. It wasn’t just about these women divers, but about their strength to take care of their own and survive. The hardships Korea faced after World War II were stories I don’t know and this book brought them to life. I felt for these characters, even as they are fictional they felt very real. I enjoyed reading about their gods and how they pray, give offerings, and honor their deceased. Korea has so many wonderful stories and the author did a fantastic job weaving them throughout. I was hungry for more books about Haenyeo women, Korean history, and above all kimbop. This wasn’t a funny story but uplifting in a different way. It took me out of my own life and on an adventure somewhere else with different food, scenery, and faith.

Sumi Hahn's The Mermaid from Jeju is a captivating work of historical fiction that explores the aftermath of WWII on the life of one of Korea's famed haenyeo. I've long been captivated by this matriarchal society in which the women take to the seas to dive for seafood as the economic heads of the household. This book will resonate with fans of The Island of Sea Women and White Chrysanthemum.

The character development is strong, and readers will be rooting for Goh Junja. It's also an eye-opening look into the relationships between Korea, Japan, and the USA, which is a different perspective than many books for the era.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This novel sucked me in from the very beginning, and left me gasping for breath by the end. The Mermaid from Jeju is a story about Goh Junja, one of the haenyeo on the island of Jeju. Set in 1948, within the perilous political climate following WWII, The Mermaid From Jeju is a hauntingly beautiful tale, and one I would recommend to anyone.

I will admit, I'm woefully uneducated about traditional Korean cultural and history, but this book was fascinating and educating at the same time. Everything from the beautiful descriptions, harsh political reality and the multi-faceted characters drew me in. I was rooting for Junja from the very start, until the very end. I sobbed just as hard as swooned while reading this novel .

I loved not only Suwol and Junja, but all the side characters as well - Peanut captured my heart and will not let it go.

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of historical fiction. Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for giving me the opportunity to read this novel, and thank you to Sumi Hahn for writing such a masterpiece.