The Island of Sea Women

Clara follows Young-sook around the memorial, asking questions. The two begin talking about Mi-ja. Young-sook is shocked to realize that Clara knows all about the massacre. The girl says that Mi-ja has tried to atone every day for what happened. Clara takes her iPhone earbuds and places them in Young-sook’s ears. The old woman hears a recording of Mi-ja’s voice. It is an interview with Clara and her great-grandmother about her friendship with Young-sook. Mi-ja says, “Read my letters. Please, please, please, read my letters. Oh, Clara, if she would do that, then she would know what was in my heart” (314-16). Young-sook says she can’t and abruptly walks away. 

Young-sook continues to lead her dive team but is irritated by the new restrictions the government has placed on the haenyeo. There is now a man who is in charge of the Village Fishery Association, and he tells them where and when they can dive. Young-sook reminds herself that she lives on an island ruled by goddesses yet thinks bitterly, “But as strong as we were and as much as we did, not one of us would ever be chosen to run the Village Fishery Association or be elected to Hado’s village council” (331).