Starry Secrets

Hi friends,

Today, I would like to share a book recommendation with you. This book is one that left quite an impression on me when I read it back in 2023. It’s called The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh.

Axie Oh is a first-generation Korean American author. She’s got several titles to her name, though this is the only one I’ve read so far. What drew me in to this book was her exploration of Korean folklore, which she weaves beautifully into this story. At it’s core, though, it’s a love story.

The main character is a girl named Mina. Mina lives in a village where each year, the most beautiful girl in the village is thrown into the sea as a bride sacrifice to the Sea God. This is in an attempt to appease the Sea God and protect their village from destruction. This year, the girl chosen as the sacrifice is Shim Cheong, who also happens to share a love with Mina’s older brother. In an unexpected act of bravery, Mina jumps into the sea herself, taking Shim Cheong’s place as the sacrificial bride of the Sea God.

What follows is a journey through the spirit realm, one that’s filled with mystery, danger, and discovery. Mina meets a young man named Shin, who guards the Sea God as he lies in some sort of deep sleep. Along with Shin, Mina searches for a way to awaken the Sea God. However, along the long, she begins to develop feelings for shin, blurring the lines between the duty of her sacrifice and love.

I won’t give away too much, but this is a story that stayed with me. The mix of myth, destiny, and emotion is both haunting and beautiful.

When I read this book, I though about how vast and rich storytelling can be and is. I wasn’t much of a reader growing up, but when I finally developed the habit, I promised myself to explore stories from as many cultures as possible. I think there’s so much beauty in the stories people tell, and that’s regardless of where they are in the world. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was a very special exploration of something very different for me. It’s Korean folklore, yes, but the love story within it feels so universal and familiar in the best way.

So, if you get the chance, grab yourself a copy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I’ve been having so much fun with Starry Secrets. Writing here feels peaceful. It feels wonderful sharing little pieces of myself. I don’t know exactly how far this reaches, but I’m just so happy to have this medium. Thank you for being here with me!

Until next time,

Much love,

Ejay