Reviews - Pachinko | The StoryGraph

25.2k reviews for:

Pachinko

Min Jin Lee

4.36 AVERAGE

bluejeepbaby's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging emotional sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I was extremely into this book and I did not EXPECT to be ❤️🥰

ppalimar's review against another edition

3.0

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"Pachinko" is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and resilience against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea. Min Jin Lee weaves an intricate tapestry of characters, each with their own backstories and futures that can be overwhelming at times. The book's length adds to this complexity; while it immerses readers in its rich historical context, it also demands significant investment in remembering who’s who.

The narrative offers moments of profound insight into the struggles faced by Koreans during this tumultuous period, prompting reflection on history and its impact on personal lives. However, there were stretches that felt unbearably long, making it challenging to maintain engagement. Some plot twists led to despair that surprised me but didn’t always feel necessary for the story's progression.

Overall, while "Pachinko" presents a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth and historical significance, its length and character density may deter some readers. It's a good story that leaves an impression but could benefit from tighter pacing.

rita_rose's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

shwetak21's review against another edition

4.25

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

cam_romi25's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

shaybuttah26's review against another edition

4.5

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This book reminded me how much I love a good historical fiction. While I want to say this was a slow burn, it had to be. Dragging all of the emotional turmoil, reading through the lives and relationships of each character is what made this book what it is! I now know it's a show, but I fear I wouldn't care for it as much as this book. Amazing storytelling, you feel all the things, but somehow it wasn't too much. Love, and def recommend.