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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
3.75. This book is hard to rate for myself because I listened to the audiobook which gave myself a detached experience making me less invested in the novel. When I picked it up myself I enjoyed it way more. Very sad story about life and racism. I still highly recommend.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Grief, Abortion, Colonisation, War
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
honestly I haven’t read a novel of this class in so long that I don’t really have a frame of reference with which to rate this. also I have a migraine coming on so this stream of consciousness review might not end up making any sense. but this book made me realize that I actually love historical fiction
I was really sucked into this story and all the characters different lives. Learning about so many people through so many walks of lives all throughout history was really eye opening. The Pachinko metaphor was honestly so beautiful and devastating and I’m never gonna forget this one.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think this was ambitious and she succeeded in showing the complex thoughts in all of the characters pertaining to their identity and what they consider home. Each of their takes are valid and shaped by their experiences.
I think some characterization was lost but then again, that doesn’t seem to have been the main focus.
It felt contrived sometimes bc she was trying to highlight specific points, but I think she did it well enough. I’m Impressed by the scope in general.
I do think this benefits from some historical and cultural knowledge of Korea, Japan, the period covered and its repercussions to now. A lot is missed without it in my opinion.
I think some characterization was lost but then again, that doesn’t seem to have been the main focus.
It felt contrived sometimes bc she was trying to highlight specific points, but I think she did it well enough. I’m Impressed by the scope in general.
I do think this benefits from some historical and cultural knowledge of Korea, Japan, the period covered and its repercussions to now. A lot is missed without it in my opinion.
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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