A review by swatswatwhat
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Truly the best book ever. It ripped out my soul. It is bittersweet, heartbreaking, survivalist and captivating. 

Unassuming cover and I had to google what Pachinko meant (arcade) but man, this book got me fully in all the feels.

A deeply engrossing historical saga across 4 generations of a Korean family who moved to Japan amidst political warfare. Such rich characterization that pulls you into the characters like I’ve never experienced before. Characters are shown with humanity and depth that you feel like you are walking beside them.

I have never had an author write such intentional sentences - every page of the 500+ book is necessary.  Writing style so straightforward yet so powerful. It was so hard to put it down. The end did feel a bit rushed but all in all, perfection.