A review by n_asyikin_
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

An intergenerational story that follows the effect of displacement from colonialism & war. Complex & nuanced, it follows multiple characters in a way that at once shows depth, but done in a mostly straightforward, observational way. Sometimes, the writings do feel slightly detached, in such that rarely do we get to explore the characters introspectively. That being said, Lee was a masterclass at engaging me as the reader, to comtemplate the unsaid aspects of the story, especially in terms of the formation of identity & sense of belongliness while exploring the racialized world.

That being said, there were definitely tendencies to skimmed past certain events, or role a character plays; the appearance & disappearance of certain characters tend to be abrupt. It left me feeling as if some of their stories were incomplete or unsettled. But it isn't really that glaring to the point that it significantly disrupts the reading experience. In fact, it rather fits the detachment that seemed to colour the narration. Though this may irks some readers.

Consider this book as reading the history involving one family & the people who are significant in their lives. Each of them has their own life & experiences to tell; making Pachinko a book consists of varying stories weaved by their connections to Sunja & her family. It's explorative, rely on the readers' ability to extract its depth. And it's moving in a way that I think captures Sunja best - a quiet & subtle way that were significant only in hindsight.
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