What a great historical fiction! Loved it.

Set on a Korean island during the Japanese and American occupations, it follows the lives of two women who become friends through their village diving collective.

Haenyeo are traditional female free divers who hunt along the ocean floor for mollusks and other valuable sea creatures. Through a variety of factors, including higher body fat, women took the role of working outside the home and providing financial security for their families while husbands stayed home cooking, cleaning, and raising children.

This story has a great mix of drama and interesting historical details. The beach setting and strong women characters are a fun plus.