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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Incredibly heartbreaking but also very uplifting to see characters with such strength. Characters have to make very difficult choices, often with very real consequences. Gave me fascinating insights into a group of people I didn't even know existed.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5/5
min jin lee cooked so hard with this
it had everything I wanted: historical context between Koreans and Japanese, intergenerational trauma, stories of women and so much more
min jin lee cooked so hard with this
it had everything I wanted: historical context between Koreans and Japanese, intergenerational trauma, stories of women and so much more
A Family’s Resilience Across Generations
4.5/5
Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko delivers a compelling portrait of a Korean family’s endurance through decades of hardship in Japan, spanning the early 1900s to 1989. The novel’s strength lies in its layered character development, weaving a multigenerational tapestry of sacrifice and survival that resonates deeply. Sunja, the matriarch, and her descendants navigate poverty, discrimination, and personal flaws with quiet courage, their stories unfolding against the detailed backdrop of Osaka’s Korean enclave and the cultural tensions of Japanese society. The women, especially, stand out as powerful and resilient, carrying the weight of family duty while facing societal prejudice, as captured in the line, “Living every day in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity comes with enormous costs.” The novel’s exploration of Zainichi Korean identity, viewed through a lens of diligence and honor reminiscent of Japanese culture, offers a fresh perspective, enriched by subtle Christian influences that add depth to certain characters’ journeys. Another poignant quote, “There was no one to go to when you were lonely, and the burdens of survival were yours alone,” underscores the isolation and strength of these flawed, relatable figures. While the pacing occasionally slows, the narrative’s emotional depth and unique historical angle—particularly its portrayal of World War II from a Korean-Japanese perspective—make it a standout. Pachinko is a moving, character-driven saga that celebrates the pursuit of excellence amidst adversity, leaving a lasting impression of hope and resilience.
4.5/5
Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko delivers a compelling portrait of a Korean family’s endurance through decades of hardship in Japan, spanning the early 1900s to 1989. The novel’s strength lies in its layered character development, weaving a multigenerational tapestry of sacrifice and survival that resonates deeply. Sunja, the matriarch, and her descendants navigate poverty, discrimination, and personal flaws with quiet courage, their stories unfolding against the detailed backdrop of Osaka’s Korean enclave and the cultural tensions of Japanese society. The women, especially, stand out as powerful and resilient, carrying the weight of family duty while facing societal prejudice, as captured in the line, “Living every day in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity comes with enormous costs.” The novel’s exploration of Zainichi Korean identity, viewed through a lens of diligence and honor reminiscent of Japanese culture, offers a fresh perspective, enriched by subtle Christian influences that add depth to certain characters’ journeys. Another poignant quote, “There was no one to go to when you were lonely, and the burdens of survival were yours alone,” underscores the isolation and strength of these flawed, relatable figures. While the pacing occasionally slows, the narrative’s emotional depth and unique historical angle—particularly its portrayal of World War II from a Korean-Japanese perspective—make it a standout. Pachinko is a moving, character-driven saga that celebrates the pursuit of excellence amidst adversity, leaving a lasting impression of hope and resilience.
Definitely 3 stars if it weren’t so long. Was there a time in my life that I would give this book more stars? Yes. If I had read it before the age of 25, I’d have given it 5. If I had read it after the age of 25 but before tutoring Koreans, when Korea and Japan were both exotic for me, I would have given it 4 stars. If I’d read it before The Good Earth, I’d have given it 4. And finally, if I had not read Kane and Abel first, I might have given it even a 6.
But at my present vantage point, I’m underwhelmed by the delivery.
But at my present vantage point, I’m underwhelmed by the delivery.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Unbelievably, utterly breathtaking. A narrative I want to continue unfolding forever.