Wow this book has left me with such mixed feelings. It’s told in two parts, and the first part was absolutely incredible. 5 star worthy without question. Then in part two, we jump ahead to present day, new narrator, and a totally different tone. From then on it goes back and forth from past to present. The second story, told from the point of view of Junja’s future husband, felt completely disjointed and wasn’t nearly as interesting. I found myself tuning out a lot. I may have tuned out too much because when the end left me feeling like I missed something but I couldn’t bring myself to go back and re-listen. I may track down the physical copy later and skim through the ending. Based on the author’s note I’m wondering if part two was added in later based on the author’s experiences and it just didn’t merge well with the original story. I feel like I went from reading a 5 star book to a barely 3 stars but because the prose was so beautiful and I loved the first half so much, I’m going to split the difference and call it 4 stars, as disappointing as the ending was.

Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was stunning, lyrical, heartbreaking, nostalgic and absolutely beautiful.

It is actually remarkable how much I could relate to a young Korean girl trying to survive in the aftermath of WWII - but Sumi Hahn made me feel just that with The Mermaid from Jeju. The main character Junja is confident, headstrong and with strong morals. Making a living as a 'mermaid girl' - a deep sea diver, Junja has never ventured far from home until her visit in the mountains, which ends tragically in her mother's death under her absence.

Junja was a character I won't forget for a long time, and her story touched me to the core. With such well-developed characters and stunning writing style, Sumi Hahn's novel is definitely a must-read.

The Mermaid from Jeju is a beautifully written story perfect for fans of Pachinko- transportative and full of atmosphere, this multigenerational story humanizes the Korean conflict post WWII.  Rife with tradition, spiritualism, mysticism, the novel tells the story of Junja, a haeneyo (mermaid), or pearl diver, on the South Korean Island of Jeju.  The writing is magical while never feeling fantastical; rather, it captures the culture and tradition in order to connect the reader to both the characters and setting.


The story is told in a non-linear format, opening in America on the day of Junja’s death as the mother of adult daughters.  It then goes back to her youth and follows her coming of age against the background of war and its effects on an occupied people.  The first half of the novel is definitely stronger than the second half, which jumps back and forth in the timeline, whereas the book previously followed a fairly linear progression after the initial jump back in time.


The audiobook experience was lovely.  Multiple narrators brought the story to life; I found the pace of their narration to be comfortable and natural (as opposed to the too-slow style audiobooks are typically produced with).  However, I found my attention wandering more during the second half of the book.  I am not sure if it is because of the format, or because of the change in the tone of the story, but I think that had I read it physically I would have enjoyed the entirety of the novel to a higher degree.


I recommend this book to fans of World War II fiction looking to broaden their reading to regions outside of America and Europe, as well as those looking to explore the after effects of the war.  I also recommend this book to fans of multigenerational family sagas, or books that follow characters over a lifetime.

Thank you #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia and Sumi Hahn for the advance readers copy of “The Mermaid of Jeju” for my honest review.

I enjoyed the audiobook of the The Mermaid of Jeju. The story is told from two points of view in the past Jeju and in the present her husband. The historical fiction is primarily based in Korea during WW11. I found the narration done by the male harder to follow than the narration by the female. Overall, I throughly enjoyed the story.

This was such an different book than I am used to. I loved learning more about the Haeneyo women. The way the author described them was truly inspiring. This book gave beautiful descriptions of Korea and made me want to learn more about this time period. This is a topic I have never seen represented before and I think it is important to amplify this story! I would recommend this book to anyone.
I only took off a star because at times it got a little confusing due to the change in narrator in the second part.

Did not Finish
First off, this cover is absolutely stunning. I had seen a few people talk about this one and I was intrigued. Sadly, I just could not get into it. I tried reading both physically and listening to the audiobook.
I may try again as I may just not been in the mood for this one, but I did pick it up several times. It was just not capturing my attention as I would have liked to keep going.

NetGalley does not allow for (DNF) no rating. I rate three stars as it I normally will not rate a story I did not finish. I do not feel it fair to give one star or five stars as I was not able to fully rate the story if I did not finish it.

The Mermaid from Jeju takes place in 2 parts, each with their own narrator. I was emotionally invested in Junja’s story as a Korean village girl after WWII. I ached at her losses and smiled at a budding romance. I loved feisty, old-fashioned grandmother and the Nationalist policeman with surprises. A story of bravery and hard times.

My personal gripe with The Mermaid from Jeju is that the second half of the book was about Junja’s husband 40 years later. (So many authors are doing this multiple timeline writing now. If the story and characters are excellent, I feel the modern update does not add much and usually takes away from the richness of the first timeline.) I was disappointed at not hearing more from Junja, her grandmother, and new love. I would have rated the book 5 stars if the historical story kept going and the modern one didn’t exist. Their story was far more interesting that Junja’s husband visiting a shaman in Korea after being haunted by ghosts.

Sumi Hahn describes things vividly, without overdoing it. Her lyrical writing provides historical context for the conflicting events. In war, nasty things happen, but the author did an excellent job of communicating the emotions and horror without being too graphic.

I listened to the audiobook of The Mermaid from Jeju. The narrators’ clear voices made listening to the story enjoyable. Pacing was excellent. I could always tell which character was speaking.

I am grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank to you to the publisher and netgalley for the audio copy of this book.

I loved this book. Currently, I am studying the Korean language and culture, and the story of this book was straight up my alley, so to speak. Reminiscent of Pachinko in some ways, and of the korean TV show Chicago Typewriter in others, this story takes a unique perspective on a little known history.

Following Junja, a haenyo from Jeju island (female divers in Jeju), as she navigates her changing home in the face of the aftermath of WWII and the Japanese occupation of Korea. They now are occupied by America, a side of the story not often depicted and which I was really intrigued to hear about. I think these are the perspectives that we can really benefit from hearing. There are so many times when we think we are the "better ones" or the "good side" and we don't consider how history actually happened.

The Characters:

Junja: I loved the elements of her character built from her love for her family, her love for the society, and the kind of innocence she starts out with in regards to knowledge of the war. Her growth was really fascinating to follow.

Suwol: SPOILERS: I really wish he'd ended up with Junja. I really liked his character, his clever and quietness, and the family history that supported him.

Style:

This novel is told in two times: Junja's youth and then the future, when Junja is old, married, and has kids. In the beginning when this transition first happened, it confused me a little bit (I think listening to it on audio and not having it in front of me might have been part of that) but over all, I really enjoyed the way these two timelines interacted, leading each other on and yet never spoiling what was in store for either side.

Regarding the audio book version specifically, I really enjoyed listening to this story. The voices were handled well, though I wish that the grandmother and Suwol had had different tones. They kind of sounded the same to me, and it was a little off setting; but I really enjoyed the fact that there were two narrators for the story, and that when it was time to see the story from a different person's perspective, the voice changed.

An enjoyable listen, and surely an enjoyable read, pick up the Mermaid from Jeju if you want a story that tackles family, love, and a history you likely know nothing about.

Thank you NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to read this book!
The writing is smooth and well done, I enjoyed the characters, especially the grandma with her legend story’s and dream interpretations.
The transition from one narrative to the other did confuse me when it was introduced halfway through the book that I had to go back to make sure I didn’t skip a section.
For you historic fiction fans out there, add this to your reading list! It is a good book.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book from Netgalley because I absolutely loved The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See and was excited to see another story about the haenyo from Jeju island in South Korea. I tried to not compare this story to See's, but it was hard not to and may have detracted from my reading experience.

The entire time listening to THE MERMAID FROM JEJU, I had moderate amount of interest in what was happening in the story. There were very few events that propelled the plot forward, instead focusing on characterization, which was a bit confusing. In a book with multiple settings set in different points of time, the crafting of those is important. The story starts present day for a very short chapter, and then switches to the past until 63% of the way through the book. Then without much transition, it rapidly switches back and forth between past and present day with little labeling of when we are reading. Combined with an almost interchangeable cast of characters (somewhat due to their names and that I was listening as an audiobook, so, my fault), it became impossible to follow, to the point where I'm not even sure who the main character married.

I was just going to pass it off as somewhat boring and poorly constructed until I listened to the Author's Note at the end of the story. Based on what the author described in their experience writing this book, it was not all that well-researched to begin with. They wrote the book because they claim they had visions of ghosts from the story and then they only researched the history of what happened on Jeju to add local flavor (not a direct quote because I don't want to go back and listen to it again, but it was pretty close). This dropped it a star for me. Go read The Island of Sea Women instead if you really are interested in a very cool cultural phenomenon that has almost now died out and you want an insight into Korean history.

I loved listening to “The Mermaid from Jeju”! I read “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See and was excited to read about the haenyeo again. The book was so rich in detail, from the personal relationships, to the physical descriptions, to the social-political forces that affected Jeju and Korea after WW2. This is a story of determination and survival amid great beauty and suffering. It was an important historical tale that kept me listening to the audiobook late into the night.

The narration added an extra dynamic to this emotional story. Cindy Kay and Raymond J Lee both did a great job bringing the characters to life!

Review Posted: January 25, 2021
Thanks to Sumi Hahn, Dreamscape Media, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for the unabridged audiobook.

I had heard some great things about this book, and was really looking forward to reading it, so I was absolutely thrilled when I got approved for the audiobook version. I don't know much about Korean history or culture, so this was an incredible learning experience as well as an intriguing story. There was plenty of post-WWII history and mythology woven throughout the story, and I enjoyed learning more about the haenyeo (female free divers) and what was one of the few empowering professions that were open to women only in those times. Haenyeo enjoyed an elevated status on Jeju Island and in surrounding areas, although I got the feeling that the mainlanders didn't always view them as favorably.

I loved the female narrator.. She did a great job conveying the tone of the story. The male narrator was good, but I just didn't love his parts of the story as much - it could have been the way the story was written, though.

I didn't exactly love the way the story was structured. It starts in the middle of the story, which I felt took a little something away from the overall suspense of the story, since I knew a little more about how it would end. The first part is told from Junja's point of view, and takes place mainly in the past. I loved learning more about her younger years, even though there was a lot of pain in her life. The second part was told from her husband's point of view, and jumped between the present and the past. Even though each chapter started by stating when in time it took place, it often included flashbacks to the past, which weren't always clear. I found myself getting lost a lot, and it really affected how invested I was in the story. It almost felt like there were two completely different stories being told, and while I was thoroughly immersed in one story, I was not at all interested in the other. The transition wasn't smooth and it felt disjointed.

While listening to Dr. Moon's reminiscing, I was endlessly frustrated by his constant references to his friend as "the fat boy." His friend is given a name, and occasionally referred to using it (although I can't spell it, since I listened to the audiobook), instead they fall back on referring to him by his weight, when no other characters are referred to by their weight (or any other distinguishing physical characteristics).

There was a significant emotional component to the book, although I found myself caring less towards the end of the book. Additionally, I wondered about all the loose ends that weren't clarified. What happened in the intervening years between the events of the first part and the second? What ever happened to Junja's siblings? I wanted to know more about those things, but didn't feel like there was enough closure.

I am not sure what I was expecting going into this book. The title was enough to intrigue me but the description sealed the deal.
This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. The romance in this book was honestly wonderful, and to be honest the way it depicted how love isn't always simple or straight forward.

The way spirituality of the characters is both depicted is incredibly unique. I don't think I have ever picked up a piece of Historical Fiction that has it woven into every fiber of the book. It was refreshing and intriguing. It made the characters feel like they had more depth, while also bringing so much more to the story as well.

Everything in this book has a purpose, upon finishing it, I wasn't left feeling like anything existed just to pad out the book. Things that may have just seemed like they were there for that ended up being important to the story later.

I honestly want to curl up and listen to this books again, because it is incredibly beautiful. But also because I feel like there is so much that I may have easily missed more of the story.

"The Mermaid From Jeju" by Sumi Hahn is a historical fiction novel with hints of magical realism about a young girl who is coming into her own as a haenyeo in Korea just after World War II. As Goh Junja is learning about life, she is experiencing things like first love and loss.

I enjoyed this audiobook. The first half of the book was narrated by a woman reading from Junja's point of view. As a listener, I settled into this routine and enjoyed the narrator's voice acting. However, in the middle of the novel the point of view changes and the reader hears from a different narrator. I found the male voice to be slightly jarring and disorienting. I had just spent several hours getting to know Junja's character and her point of view... then I felt unnecessarily thrust into a different mind. However, I enjoyed Junja's story so much... I wanted to stick with the book and ensure that I gave the second half of the book a fair try. I did find myself longing for more from Junja's point of view though and disliking the male narration.

There were some passages from this book that will stick with me forever. There was a beautiful section in the beginning of the book describing the surface diving of the haenyeo women which was magical and the imagery was wonderful. I also was completely mesmerized by the scene in the market when Junja and her grandmother first visit the market and the grandmother is speaking with other villagers.

This book touched my heart and left an imprint that will be there forever more. I would encourage readers to seek out #ownvoices reviews as I'm sure that those reviews would perhaps takeaway different concepts from the book. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Korean history and historical fiction.

Blogger's Note: Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy, of this audiobook from the publisher, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. It is set in Korea. It is beautifully described. The family relationships within this book is good. The friendships are great. It talks about family post world war 2, and mermaids, and how people working with communists. The narrators did a fantastic job reading this book. It will keep your attention from the first minute of listening to this book. You will feel immersified. It will bring a little tears to your eyes. I would highly highly recommend listening to this audiobook to anyone and everyone. It is in stores now for $24.99 (USD). It is wonderfully told and read.

I enjoyed listening to this audio book. The book is similar to The Island of the Sea women, which I really enjoyed but it focuses on a shorter time period. The story is about a Hanai woman, but it focuses more on her life outside of the water. This book was a lighter book that doesn't require a lot of concentration, so it can be listened to while doing other things. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.

Transport yourself to the island of Jeju, going back in time to the events leading up to the Korean war. The story unfolds as Junja, a young Haenyeo, a female diver, discovers love and heartbreak. A fascinating look at a matriarchal community of independent, strong willed women who support their families with bounty from the sea.

3.5 stars, rounded down. I appreciated the story, the writing, and the narration, but for some reason, I wasn't able to get into the book. It had a really hard time holding my attention. The narration made it hard to follow the jumps in the timeline, especially towards the end. This was also the first book where I've heard paper rustling or loud inhales before a sentence. Still, the story was unique and touching, and I think for some people, it could be the perfect book. For that reason, I think I would recommend this to certain friends, but with the suggestion that they read, not listen. Even though I didn't love this book, I can totally appreciate how someone would.

The story is set on the Korean island of Jeju. It’s a province located off the southern end of Korea. (It sounds amazing and it’s definitely on my bucket list.) The bulk of the story takes place after WWII when the Japanese occupation ended and the US was occupying Korea. It’s not a pretty time in history. The book has some tough parts to it. However, it’s good and definitely worth the time.
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It’s the story of a young woman named Junja who lives in a fishing village. She is a haenyeo like her mother and grandmother. Haenyeo are women who dive in the ocean to gather sea creatures to sell and trade. They support their families this way. If you don’t know about them please take a minute to look them up. They are fascinating! Anyway, it’s Junja story of working as a haenyeo, having to flee to the mainland, and eventually to the United States after persecution from the government.

Throughout the book we get glimpses of the traditional spiritual beliefs of the people of Jeju. Their beliefs in gods, visions, ghosts, etc. All of it is so interesting!

Set in both 1943 and in 2001; and in the United States and on the island of Jeju, Korea; The Mermaid of Jeju is a wonderful story of resilience, family tradition, and love. A big ★★★★★ for Sumi Hahn’s debut novel.

I loved so many things about this book. I loved the characters, who were complex and relatable (personality wise). I loved the Korean mythology and cultural references. I loved the love stories. I particularly loved the way Hahn wrote this book with such lyrical writing but also rooted in deep Korean traditions.

If you loved The Night Tiger (which I did and have a full review HERE), then this The Mermaid from Jeju is perfect for you. While the book is filled with less magical realism, the story Hahn has put together is just as magical. I had dreams multiple nights in a row of visiting this beautiful island.

Told in two parts, the story telling is vibrant and rich. In part one we follow our main character Junja, as she comes of age during post World War II, when the Americans were taking over control from the Japanese. We watch her fall in love, lose loved ones, and fight to survive. Part two is told from her husband’s point of view. In this half of the book we learn how the two met but really how they wove their lives from broken threads and how family never truly leaves you.

I’m not going to do this review justice, so I’ll just say that this a fabulous debut, and I’m highly anticipated additional novels from Sumi Hahn. This would be a great book to read as part of a book club, as there are so many aspects to discuss. Huge praise for this lovely historical fiction.

I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on The Mermaid from Jeju. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books. Huge thank you to Crooked Lane Books for my advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.