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115 pages 3 hours read

Pachinko

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Min Jin Lee

Pachinko

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1910s-1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee traces the multigenerational saga of a Korean family affected by love, ambition, and discrimination in Korea and Japan from 1910 to 1989, centering on Sunja, who navigates hardships and relationships after a complicated pregnancy and a move to Japan, exploring themes of resilience and identity amidst cultural marginalization.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

584,773 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Min Jin Lee's Pachinko has garnered praise for its intricate storytelling and rich historical context, vividly depicting the struggles and resilience of Korean families in Japan. Critics commend its deeply emotional narrative and well-developed characters. However, some find its pacing uneven and descriptions occasionally excessive. Overall, it is celebrated for its ambitious and powerful portrayal of identity and survival.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pachinko?

Lovers of multigenerational family sagas and historical fiction will find Pachinko by Min Jin Lee captivating. This novel, similar to works like The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, engrosses readers with its deep exploration of identity, resilience, and the Korean immigrant experience in Japan.

4.4

584,773 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Yangjin

Yangjin is a self-sacrificing woman who marries a man to alleviate her family's financial burden in *Pachinko*. She diligently maintains a boardinghouse after her husband's death and supports her daughter, Sunja, even as she departs to Japan. Reunited with Sunja years later, Yangjin expresses her feelings of loneliness before her death.

Sunja is Yangjin's resilient daughter in *Pachinko* who works hard to support her family after her husband's imprisonment. She challenges traditional beliefs about women's suffering and works consistently to provide for her loved ones.

Hansu, in *Pachinko*, is a man from poor beginnings who gains power through connections with a Japanese gangster. He becomes involved with Sunja and supports her family, valuing education and practicality despite his self-interested nature.

Isak is a virtuous and idealistic character in *Pachinko* who moves from Korea to Japan to work as a pastor. His selflessness and faith make a lasting impression on his family and community.

Noa in *Pachinko* is a studious and determined character who shares his biological father's love for education. He struggles with his identity and familial connections, striving to create an honorable life.

Mozasu is a practical character in *Pachinko* who finds success in the pachinko business. He values honesty and openness, supporting his family and employees while aiming to provide opportunities for his son.

Solomon appears in *Pachinko* as an intelligent and adaptable young man with a broad worldview, having lived in America. He embraces the diversity of his experiences and chooses to continue in the family business while valuing his heritage.

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1910s-1980s

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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