Reviews

Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee

alisse's review against another edition

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5.0

What a phenomenal work. It’s hard to call books over 300 pages unputdownable, but this one was. There’s so much insight into family structures, culture, racism, war, that one would think it muddled, but it had such a beautiful, captivating thread throughout. I’m sad I didn’t read this sooner.

jillianhd's review against another edition

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

4.0

Such a touching, heartbreaking saga following multiple generations of a Korean family living in Japan. It explored the complexities of family and obligations and the tendency of history to repeat itself. 

kitty_arcade's review against another edition

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5.0

If I could give this more stars I would. This was absolutely beautiful and haunting. I haven't been this gripped by a story in a long time and have a feeling I'll be thinking about this novel for a while.

jennkurrie's review against another edition

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3.0

#56/2018 .. touching and emotional. I was also completely clueless on the history of this time, which the author did a tremendous job in telling.

allymckill's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was great. It was very much the type of book I really enjoy - one that tells a compelling story while allowing me to learn about history I wasn't familiar with. This book follows several generations of Koreans who have left their homeland for Japan, where they suffered from prejudice, fear, and discrimination. Some of the characters flourish, despite the challenges, while others suffer mightily. It was eye-opening to consider how being viewed as an "outsider" in a country where your family has lived for generations might affect you.

maisiehcrb's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

raidingbookshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

pebbles1990's review

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

5.0

christiek's review against another edition

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4.0

I love a book that shows me a history that I had no previous knowledge about whatsoever, and this story and these characters were an excellent introduction. I was quite invested in Sunja and those who came before and after her. This book is a window into being human and it manages to cover a lot.

(Go and find someplace on the internet to listen to Lee talk. She is earnest and insightful).

sdsweeney56's review against another edition

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1.0

thuddingly composed, constantly mistaking misery for depth. no thanks