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A review by theravenkingx
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Sometimes you love a book so much that you have no words to describe it. I really don't have much to say about this book other than that it's a must-read.
Pachinko is masterfully crafted. It's a family saga that spans over decades, following four generations of the same family of immigrants living in Japan. The journey begins in a small town in Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1910s. The novel vividly portrays the brutal hardships and xenophobia faced by Koreans during that era. The family eventually relocates to the land of their oppressiors - Japan, in search of better opportunities and to escape the deteriorating conditions in Korea. Despite spending decades in Japan, the family is unable to escape the torment of being Korean in a country that despises them. It's a powerful story with characters that you can't help but love. It's a character-driven story with exceptional character development. The writing is atmospheric, transporting you into the world of the characters.
The story is also about change. The way the author tackles the change in personal values and beliefs is poignant and well-executed. The subtle change in tone and language as we move closer to modern times effectively illustrates these transformations.
The structure of the book reminded me of the Greenbone Saga by Fonda Lee. Although they are entirely different books, both follow a family's journey over decades and explore similar themes of love, sacrifice, and familial bonds. There is something about Japanese and Korean authors that hits you right in the feels.
My only complaint is how the author downplayed or skimmed over some of the atrocities of that era. The narrative doesn't mention the nuclear attack on Nagasaki and generally casts Americans in a positive light.
After finishing the book, I started watching the TV series, and I think so far the show is doing a better job of exploring the brutal realities and atrocities of the time.
Pachinko is masterfully crafted. It's a family saga that spans over decades, following four generations of the same family of immigrants living in Japan. The journey begins in a small town in Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1910s. The novel vividly portrays the brutal hardships and xenophobia faced by Koreans during that era. The family eventually relocates to the land of their oppressiors - Japan, in search of better opportunities and to escape the deteriorating conditions in Korea. Despite spending decades in Japan, the family is unable to escape the torment of being Korean in a country that despises them. It's a powerful story with characters that you can't help but love. It's a character-driven story with exceptional character development. The writing is atmospheric, transporting you into the world of the characters.
The story is also about change. The way the author tackles the change in personal values and beliefs is poignant and well-executed. The subtle change in tone and language as we move closer to modern times effectively illustrates these transformations.
The structure of the book reminded me of the Greenbone Saga by Fonda Lee. Although they are entirely different books, both follow a family's journey over decades and explore similar themes of love, sacrifice, and familial bonds. There is something about Japanese and Korean authors that hits you right in the feels.
My only complaint is how the author downplayed or skimmed over some of the atrocities of that era. The narrative doesn't mention the nuclear attack on Nagasaki and generally casts Americans in a positive light.
After finishing the book, I started watching the TV series, and I think so far the show is doing a better job of exploring the brutal realities and atrocities of the time.