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A review by kikicochrane
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
This book was extremely gut wrenching and heartbreaking to read at times, I very rarely cry while reading stories but this book had me in tears at least four times. I appreciated the pace of the book being slow to read, as it allowed me to digest the trauma that occurred with the characters. Death is a significant theme throughout the story but the backstory to the characters' deaths are what brought me to tears and reflection. Min Jin Lee did a fantastic job at capturing the struggles of keeping a family alive during times of war and prejudice. If you're ready for an emotional read, I would highly suggest Pachinko.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Racism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Miscarriage, Suicide, Terminal illness, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Trafficking