A review by sahanasri
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was a very long but beautiful read. Pachinko really captures the sadness and unfairness of life alongside its unexpected joys. It was so interesting to watch the same family grow and change across generations, and I found myself very attached to each of them because I had been with them for all the events that shaped them. Lee is able to precisely pinpoint that feeling of loneliness and trauma that comes with losing your home, remaining in a transient state even legally. My only critique of the book is that it kind of loses steam towards the end because there are so many narratives to cover. I do really appreciate the attention to the lives of so many side characters as a way to explore this time period more, and the writing style really makes it feel like you’re watching a movie. Definitely going to read this again because I’m sure there’s a lot I missed (and watch the show!)
Expand filter menu Content Warnings