The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea 🌊 🫧
A story filled with love and not just the romantic kind. Family and found family were themes in this book and I felt the love they had for each other in a way that made my heart squeeze.
A perfect book to read for a short escape into a fantasy/spirit world that echoes the kind found in Studio Ghibli. It feels like you’re stepping into a myth, which makes sense considering it is a Korean myth retelling.
This book is on the shorter side, which doesn’t leave room for extensive world building, so I recommend letting your imagination fill in the gaps and enjoy it even if everything isn’t explained. It gives it this dream like quality, while feeling both familiar and new.
A plot driven book made for a YA audience, but highly enjoyable regardless. I personally read this book in one day and am glad I picked it up.
As for the plot: Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. In an attempt to appease the Sea God, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.
When Mina’s older brother, Joon, tries to save his beloved Shim Cheong from being sacrificed. Mina does what she must to save her brother and sacrifices herself in Cheong’s stead.
And thus Mina becomes the new Sea God’s bride and has to save herself and her people.
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The narrative of 'The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea' offers a fresh take on traditional Korean mythology, weaving a story that resonates with themes of family bonds and personal sacrifice. The book stands as a testament to the power of love beyond romantic notions, encapsulating the emotional intimacy often found in Studio Ghibli films. In this condensed yet impactful tale, Mina's journey not only highlights her courage but also invites readers to explore their own imaginations in filling the narrative gaps, making the reading experience both personal and profound. This young adult novel proves to be an engaging escape for readers who appreciate layered storytelling and rich, mythical landscapes. As you delve into the world crafted by Axie Oh, expect to be swept away by the dream-like quality of the prose and the relatable struggles of the characters. The story resonates well with fans of fantasy literature and Korean mythology, making it an ideal choice for book clubs or personal reading lists.
I really enjoyed this book!!