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A review by tasleemreads
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I'm not normally one for historical fiction, I find it hard to read and unconvincing, but Pachinko has shattered my expectation completely and is a SENSATIONAL read. My first 5 ⭐️ read of 2021.
The story follows Sunja's marriage and migration from Korea to Japan during the Japanese colonization. Set in the 20th century, it follows four generations of a Korean family trying to find safety and security during a unsettling time in a country they are rejected and mistreated in.
The rich culture and history detailed in this book were fascinating to read and deeply engrossing, the writing style hooks you in and you'll fall in love with all the characters. I enjoyed the pov's flitting sporadically amongst the characters highlighting their own personal struggles and perspectives. I've said this before, I'm an absolute sucker for generational stories and this book, wow, I will never get over the beautiful familial love and bond Min Lin jee has created in this story. Absolutely stunning ❤️
The only thing I can think of to mention is that the final third of the book was slightly rushed and certain characters just fell of the scene.
There were times that it felt like I was getting sucker-punched after sucker-punched, so just be prepared for a beat down, but hands down a story that will not leave me and an absolute must-read for everyone!
The story follows Sunja's marriage and migration from Korea to Japan during the Japanese colonization. Set in the 20th century, it follows four generations of a Korean family trying to find safety and security during a unsettling time in a country they are rejected and mistreated in.
The rich culture and history detailed in this book were fascinating to read and deeply engrossing, the writing style hooks you in and you'll fall in love with all the characters. I enjoyed the pov's flitting sporadically amongst the characters highlighting their own personal struggles and perspectives. I've said this before, I'm an absolute sucker for generational stories and this book, wow, I will never get over the beautiful familial love and bond Min Lin jee has created in this story. Absolutely stunning ❤️
The only thing I can think of to mention is that the final third of the book was slightly rushed and certain characters just fell of the scene.
There were times that it felt like I was getting sucker-punched after sucker-punched, so just be prepared for a beat down, but hands down a story that will not leave me and an absolute must-read for everyone!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Xenophobia