Answer: No, The Island of Sea Women is not a true story, but it is based on real historical events and cultural practices.
Explanation: The novel, written by Lisa See, is a work of historical fiction. It is set on the Korean island of Jeju and revolves around the lives of the haenyeo, female divers who harvest seafood. While the characters and specific events in the book are fictional, the author extensively researched the history and culture of the haenyeo, as well as the historical context of Jeju Island, including the Jeju Uprising in the late 1940s. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the haenyeo’s way of life and the challenges they faced, blending fiction with real historical elements to create a compelling narrative.