111 pages • 3 hours read
Pachinko
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Book Brief
512
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1910s-1980s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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
584,773 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
584,773 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
512
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1910s-1980s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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