The Mermaid from Jeju is a story of Goh Junja, one of the haenyeo (female divers or "mermaids") on the island of Jeju. The majority of this novel is set in Korea post-WWII, but some chapters take place in the early 2000s as well. This contrast in settings shows how the war (and those who occupied Korea - particularly Japan and the United States) shaped the fate of the country. This historical fiction novel is both fascinating and educational about Korean culture and history. Hahn does a fantastic job with character development and I had a really fun time reading this story. I recommend this title to both historical fiction lovers and readers who tend to keep their distance from this genre, as I think the subject matter in this story is unique and Hahn's writing is beautiful.

The Mermaid from Jeju is a work of historical fiction that reads like a fairy tale. Especially the first part of the book seems happy and carefree, like a light story for kids or teens. That soon changes when Junja’s mother dies and all kinds of events start to unfold. There is a reason Junja and her husband fled Korea after all.

This story is about a young haenyeo called Junja, a Korean female diver or, according to this book, a mermaid. Most of the story takes place in the 1940s after the war with Japan when American and Korean soldiers are ‘managing’ Jeju and searching for communists. By reading this book, you’ll learn a lot about Jeju’s cultural heritage, something it doesn’t share with the Korean mainland. Ideal if you are planning to visit Jeju Island. (You can see a diving demonstration by haenyeo at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak on Jeju Island!)

Not every scene is from Junja’s perspective, so you don’t get to know her as well as you could have. Junja’s scheming grandmother on the other hand is a very interesting character; she and Lieutenant Lee were my favorites. Junja and Suwol are blander or maybe just younger. I also had a hard time believing Gun Joo’s love storyline; I can believe his feelings but not the girl’s. Or maybe I am simply longing for scenes with grandmother, because her character is written so well.

Overall I did enjoy the story, especially the part set in the past. At the end of the book, The Mermaid from Jeju loses some of its charm. It is a magical story (not just because of the dreams of the sea king and references to divinities) until Dr. Moon’s scenes become more prominent. I understand his role in the story, namely showing that the burden and pains of the past stay with you, but it was a less interesting storyline than the one of the past. The kut ritual didn’t add anything for me… the feelings of the living were described more strongly in other scenes. I would have loved for the past storyline to continue so that I could follow them to the mainland and later on to the USA.

So why did I give The Mermaid of Jeju four stars instead of three? Because of the magical fairy tale like prose. It takes a skilled writer to write a story with a magical vibe, without relying on actual magic use. It was just the right book for me. (Also: that feeling when you read the Korean glossary and you realize you know every term. Finally some recognition.)

Sumi Hahn was born in Korea and immigrated to the United States when she was one year old. The Mermaid from Jeju is her debut novel.

For a first novel, this was a good story overall. As historical fiction, this is not something I'd read about before (Korea, 1940's). I really wanted to know more about the Korean mermaids who were female divers. The fictional characters were well developed and I enjoyed it but it was somewhat disjointed and confusing at times.

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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.

A poignantly beautiful story which describes in detail the life and hardships of the haenyeo in Korea and gives a new perspective on some of the traumas in Korea's history through the creation of authentic characters. I would love to read more by Sumi Hahn.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Sumi Hahn for AN ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.