Book Review: PACHINKO

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a sweeping epic of relationships between Korea and Japan from 1910-1989. The story follows one main family with side stories of the people who intersect their lives. It is sad and beautiful and slow and deep. I’ve learned so much through this story about Asian history, but more importantly, culture. Though it’s not a religious novel, there are Christians throughout the story. As a Christian myself, I found it fascinating and refreshing to read a secular novel, probably for the first time, that simply told a story of characters without judgement about beliefs, etc. People are people, everyone has a story, and religious beliefs or lack thereof are just a part of that story. Simple. 

It’s a beautiful story, but there are bits of “depravity” throughout. I must mention this for those who I know would not enjoy reading the novel due to those sections. Just keeping it real. Mom, you probably won’t want to read this one. :) But even in those sections, I appreciated how everything was treated with a “this is life” tone. Because it is. Good or bad, right or wrong, sad or happy... this book speaks of the realities of humanity.

I must point out that the first half of the book felt richer than the second half. While the same family is followed throughout, more and more characters and side stories appear as the book goes along. There are several side stories that really feel completely unnecessary. Not only do they seem to not have a point (I'm sure the author would disagree with me), but often it was just a quick blurb that was then dropped and never mentioned again. It felt like the last half was "crammed" with stories. Nevertheless, even with that nuisance, the writing is lovely and the overall story is timeless. 

*Click on the image or links to go to Amazon where you can purchase the book. Yes, this is an affiliate link. :)