I'M NOT CRYING, YOU ARE.....

Very late review, but EASILY my #1 book of 2021. This novel ripped my heart out and stomped all over it MULTIPLE TIMES.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. It was very enjoyable and a beautiful setting with lyrical writing.

This book is probably better than I'm giving it credit for, but I read it almost immediately after finishing Lisa See's Island of Sea Women and this one pales in comparison.

Honestly I don’t have an interest in reading this book anymore and I want to be more selective with what I request.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* always love reading new WW2 books, even more so when they are as unique as this one! I can easily say this is a book i will have to own!

I didn't know anything about haenyeo (the mermaids of Jeju). I don't know why the changing viewpoint (near the beginning and then later) was so jarring, but I think this would have worked better as just Junja's story. The beginning seemed completely disconnected from the book until about 3/4 through, when the narrator unexpectedly changed. (Yeah, I was surprised.) The last part was just too weird for me. It seemed like the author wrote two books and she really wanted them to go together.

The Mermaid of Jeju centers around Goh Junja, a young woman living on the island of Jeju, working as the other women in her village as a strong haenyeo -- diving to the depths for abalone and other sea delicacies they trade for pork. Once she is old enough, she convinces her mother to let her make the trek up the mountain to trade with the family there; that is where she meets Yang Suwol, and her world shifts. The next day when she returns, she is just in time to see her mother die, and her world shifts again. At the same time, Korea is in political turmoil: Japan is forced out of their occupancy by US troops. Junja must learn to navigate the changing world around her.

I really enjoyed this book: it was very good, though not quite what I was expecting. The characters were well-developed and interesting. I especially liked Junja and her journey, even if she was a bit frustrating at times.

The story was told in third-person omniscient POV. Truth be told, it could sometimes be a little disconcerting, especially when listening to the audiobook. The author would intersperse the inner thoughts of different characters, often in the same scene. For example, there was a scene (~ch 5 or 6) where Junja and Suwol were picking ferns, and we get to hear their alternating thoughts from one sentence to the next; further, in the same scene, the reader is also privy to a random crow's thoughts (for no reason, really, except to physically back the reader up a pace, to observe the scene as an outsider?). I want to specify that it wasn't "bad* -- I really liked being privy to the thoughts of different characters -- but it was sometimes a little hard to follow. However, I would argue it was easier to follow in the ebook vs the audiobook. (This was no fault of the narrators -- Cindy Kay and Raymond J. Lee -- who I thought were both excellent!)

Also, at least for me, the second half of the book took a little while to get into. We dive into the narrative from Dr. Moon's POV, who, beyond the reader knowing is the husband of Junja, he is a stranger. Yet we are supposed to care about him. Is he Suwol, or is he someone else? The narration goes into the past and weaves back to the present, following Dr. Moon and his relationship with Junja, from when they meet to when they eventually settled in New York. I thought it worked pretty well overall, though I really like narration that weaves back and forth, from past to present, building up to a big reveal. Even though there wasn't necessarily a "big reveal" -- and I was left wanting more after Dr. Moon's trip to Korea (I won't spoil anything else) -- it was still a satisfying conclusion.

I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely look out for more books from this author in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press for the eARC, and Dreamscape Media for the eAudiobook. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The audiobook for this novel was exquisite. The voices and acting were on point and each character was unique enough to keep track of.

The historical nature of this story needed to be treated with respect and care, and it definitely was, even while retaining the horrors and injustices committed during this time.

It was refreshing to see this part of history told from the perspective of someone who lived on the fringes of the conflict, right up until she didn't. The slow, ominous march of soldiers encroaching closer and closer to her home felt realistic and dreadful at the same time.

The story told in the "present" was emotional without being sappy and serious without being cynical.

I had a crazy difficult time deciding what to rate this book and what to say about it. I'm not sure I enjoyed it, but it's really stuck with me, I've been thinking about this book so much that I've actually started dreaming about it. It's inspired me to read and learn more about the time period and the Haenyeo, who I'm completely fascinated by.

It's a book that makes you wish both that you were born in another time, and unendingly grateful that you were not.

scroll to the last paragraph/chunk for what I did not like

The book is split into two distinct parts and I loved the first part. It was emotional, exciting to read, full of beautiful descriptions, and had so many great elements! Through the matrilineal society on Jeju, a culturally separate Korean island, Sumi Hahn explores the period of rapid modernization and unrest. She shows us how invasion and war force the country to evolve politically, economically and religiously through the eyes of a young Haenyeo. If the book had ended with the end of part 1, for me it would be 4 stars.

I really wish the Haenyeo had been focused on more, considering the title is literally 'The Mermaid from Jeju', I expected to read more about the divers and the diving of such incredible women. Instead, the diving is used more as a lyrical device than anything. Maybe it's only because Junja herself is very apathetic to her circumstances, but diving in the book is usually referenced as a metaphor for death or the local religion or moments of extreme emotion. I just want know what diving feels like, what the day-to-day work is like.

I prefer character driven books, and this was more Junja versus the circumstances she lives with but there is a romance and quite a bit of focus on family life and the relationships between the Mainlanders, Islanders and American soldiers. I did like that the romance was colder and not sappy because it worked well with the story.

My problem with this book was the second half. After reading the authors note, I'm pretty sure I understand what happened. The author had a story and visited Jeju, Korea to add some more authenticity to her descriptions. While there, she had a haunting/ spiritual enlightenment/ serious case of jet-lag and wonky airline food. Anyways, while trying to sleep, she heard the voices of the victims of the April 3rd Incident.
She had to explore that in her writing, dragging readers with her. Instead of reworking her story to include more about the event, she adds a prologue set in the States, and tacks on a second story to the end her original. To me, this was unwise, the second half flipped between Junja's time as a ghost after her death, her husband's shaman-filled return to Korea and his time as a young soldier. Only a sprinkling of characters are in both parts and it was not all that entertaining to read. It felt super disconnected, the audiobook even used a different narrator. The only part I found worth reading were the bits from the past. I like the idea of having the characters from modern times revisit their home but I just found all the repetitive shaman stuff and American-Ghost-Junja really boring. The thing I loved about the book was how unique it was, and the fleeing-war-torn-asia-and-having-ignorant-American-children both strikes a nerve with me and has been done countless times in frankly better ways.

I didn't know what to expect from this story and it was so lovely, powerful, and heartbreaking all at the same time. It felt like equal parts historical fiction and magical. I enjoyed the dual timelines. The magical aspect was done so well.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the writing. I was not sure that I would enjoy this novel but I am glad that I read it and was able to learn more about Korean history and culture from it. As a swimmer, I felt very drawn to the female divers as strong figures providing for their family and their community.

I was really into this book... until I wasn't. The book tells the compelling story of young Junja as she and her family fight to survive in post-WWII Korea. I was drawn into the story of this brave young girl, a diver, and a survivor. But halfway through the book, the perspective and narrative changed and I was thrown. And I felt unsatisfied not feeling like I ever got the full story of Junja. It may have been better if I had read it as a book- not audiobook.

3 Stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an audio arc of this book

I listened to the audiobook the narrator was amazing. This book was fascinating but ultimately not for me. If you like slow-moving historical fiction books with romance and fabulism elements this is the book for you.

Things I liked:
-Haenyeo Family: Junja the main character is a haenyeo and comes from a haenyeo family. I knew about this tradition before reading this book and always found it amazing. I loved how it was explored in this book I wish it was explored more by far my favorite part of the book.
-Historical Time Period: The exploration of the Post-war period in Korea. I've never learned about this period in history before it was interesting learning about it.
-Jeju Island was a character in itself. I loved the setting!

Things I didn't like:
-Fablusim: There were some hints of fabulism in this book. I'm not a big fan of fabulism, and it didn't work with the story.
-Pacing: Almost nothing happened in part 1, part 2 was faster but still extremely slow.
-Romance: Insta love and I didn't feel a true connection between them it was all telling no showing.
-Characterization: All the characters felt one-dimensional I couldn't tell you one character trait they had they were superficial.
-Fatphobia/Ableism: There was a character named the fat boy that's it he doesn't get a name and is only described as fat. Another character has a cleft lip when the main character meets her she is horrified she describes her appearance as disturbing. These two characters end up together and are seen as the most undesirable.
-This book was trying to be too much at once, a romance, historical, and fabulism. The combination of all this meant each part felt rushed and not fully fleshed out.
-The writing style didn't work for me.

TLDR: This book was definitely interesting but didn't work for me. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the post-WW2 period in Korea or the Haeyneo tradition in Jeju.

The Mermaid from Jeju is a fiction book about the life of a female deep diver who gathers edible sea creatures and plants in the water off Jeju Island, South Korea. The author captured the Jeju culture and life of the female divers with great detail, painting an accurate picture for the reader.about the rigorous demands of the diver's lifestyle. I loved this story..

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, Alcove Press for my copy of The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn Narrated by Cindy Kay; Raymond Lee in exchange for an honest review. It published December 8, 2020.
Wow! I did not want to stop reading this book! It has serious Lisa See vibes, and I was so enthralled by the story. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading. Now that it's over, I'm missing Jeju and the divers!
I learned a lot about the history of Jeju island and the culture as well. I think that Hahn did a great job telling this story with great care and humanity. I never stopped to think about the PTSD that the survivors of these atrocities experience. I also didn't think about how they would experience it. Stories like this are so important to teach us about history, and to help us not to repeat history. It also helps to grow empathy and understanding.
Also, the narration was so well done!

This book gave me feelings for the women and people of Korea the way Lisa See's book "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" gave me those same feelings for the women and people of China. The voice is dreamy, and the story unfolds in waves, while showing me a world and people I really knew nothing about. Then the author's note at the end of the book gave an added lift to the story as well.

Junja's life on JeJu Island changes after she survives a near fatal drowning and then takes a journey. As she meets one interesting character after another, she must decide whether to fight her fate or succumb to its depths. Lucky for Junja, she is not alone. For example, she meets Yang Suwol, a boy who lives in the mountains and who has plans and dreams of his own, which seem to include her. However, like Korea itself, everytime Junja soars, life brings her crashing back down. Where, ultimately, will her struggles take her?

This is told in dual timeline fashion, though the modern story is short and doesn't have the depth of the historical tale. I also had a little bit of a disconnect with Mr. Moon, I just couldn't quite get to know him. But perhaps that is as it should be, for Junja may have left her heart in Korea. I definitely need to talk to someone about this book.

Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for a copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest opinion. I like the new program, but I don't like how I can't backtrack easily to the last chapter. That is often needed as changes to new chapters can be abrupt.

What a beautiful, heartwrenching story of love, loss, and war. This historical fiction follows Goh Junja just after WWII on the island of Jeju -- the largest of Korea's islands. The story is truly magical, and I loved learning about Jeju and the haenyeo -- a group of female divers who scour the seafloor for food and are known to be twice as strong as men, heck yes girl power. I also enjoyed learning about the red scare and anti-communist occupation that happened in the country — and all the innocent lives taken throughout the war.

The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn is an amazing historical fiction book which features a young haeneyo, Junja, in post WWII Korea. Hahn brings you into the life of the mystical and harrowing world of Junja who is a deep sea diver facing multiple tragedies. Those who adored Lisa See’s Island of Sea Women will fall in love with this fabulous debut.

I loved every minute of it, and did not want it to end. I listened to the audiobook version. It was expertly done and paced in a way to keep you engaged. The beautiful descriptions of the underwater world and the landscapes of Korea will stay with me. The first half of the book is narrated by Cindy Kay and is the story of Junja. We are immediately transported into her life and learn about the resilience she has after facing tragedies that likely would not have occurred had she been home. Junja does not allow this to crumble her. Instead, she rises above her multiple losses in a way that is inspirational and showcases her beautiful courage.

The second half of the book is narrated by Raymond Lee and features the stories of Yang Suwol. It switches times periods frequently to provide insights into his life and the way it intersects with Junja. There is beauty, mystery, magic, and abundant love in his section. The language and especially his life experience give us even greater understanding of the folklore of the Korean culture.

These characters will become real to you. Their unfailing courage, sense of determination, warm hearts, spiritual desires, and even sense of humor will touch you long after the book has ended. You will learn much, but more importantly be inspired by the strength of these haenyeo women. Despite their many challenges they found ways to defy the societal bounds to enact meaningful change. They were not looking for glory, just a chance to find a way to support their families. What a legacy they left, you will be better after reading it. Their strength and determination should not be forgotten.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Dreamscape Media Alcove Press in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

*Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy*

I truly enjoyed this story.

The first 2/3 of the story is told from Junja's perspective growing up on the Island of Jeju and learning to dive from her mother and grandmother. It's set post-WWII and there are a lot of encounters with soldiers and Americans who have occupied Jeju. There are some racial slurs that were common for the time, but it was still cringey to hear them.

The last 1/3 alternates between Junja's past and present and her husband's search for answers to his grief.

I recommend reading/listening to the author's note on her inspiration for the story.

The Mermaid from Jeju
by Sumi Hahn (Goodreads Author)

Hey Sumi! I will give you 4 out of 5 birds for The Mermaid from Jeju. Last year I read The Island of Sea Women and fell in love with the superhuman women divers. So when I saw that there was another book on Netgalley, I jumped at the opportunity. I listened to the audiobook courtesy of Netgalley and really enjoyed the book until the last 25% of the book. It switches from a female narrator to a male and the story shifts too. I thought it was clever and beautifully written, but the later half didn't hold my interest as much. Overall it was still a fun listen to clench my want for more of this culture.

Thanks for the free listen Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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