Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist) - Min Jin Lee

Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)

By Min Jin Lee

  • Release Date: 2017-02-07
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 3,261 Ratings

Description

A New York Times Top Ten Book of the Year and National Book Award finalist, Pachinko is an "extraordinary epic" of four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family as they fight to control their destiny in 20th-century Japan (San Francisco Chronicle).

NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2017 * A USA TODAY TOP TEN OF 2017 * JULY PICK FOR THE PBS NEWSHOUR-NEW YORK TIMES BOOK CLUB NOW READ THIS * FINALIST FOR THE 2018DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE* WINNER OF THE MEDICI BOOK CLUB PRIZE

Roxane Gay's Favorite Book of 2017, Washington Post

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * #1 BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER * WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER * WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER


"There could only be a few winners, and a lot of losers. And yet we played on, because we had hope that we might be the lucky ones."

In the early 1900s, teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a crippled fisherman, falls for a wealthy stranger at the seashore near her home in Korea. He promises her the world, but when she discovers she is pregnant--and that her lover is married--she refuses to be bought. Instead, she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle, sickly minister passing through on his way to Japan. But her decision to abandon her home, and to reject her son's powerful father, sets off a dramatic saga that will echo down through the generations.

Richly told and profoundly moving, Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty. From bustling street markets to the halls of Japan's finest universities to the pachinko parlors of the criminal underworld, Lee's complex and passionate characters--strong, stubborn women, devoted sisters and sons, fathers shaken by moral crisis--survive and thrive against the indifferent arc of history.

*Includes reading group guide*

Reviews

  • Too long

    2
    By martistwo
    I enjoyed the first parts of this book but as the story went into the1970s there were too many characters and story lines to follow it well.
  • Love. Life. Death.

    5
    By Om Preetham
    EPIC. This book deeply moved me, making me shed tears multiple times. It resonated with me, as the characters felt so relatable. It served as a reminder of life's tough and challenging moments, and how to persevere through them. The characters' portrayal showcased the profound essence of human experiences. It taught me the importance of never giving up, even after facing numerous failures, and that both victories and defeats are part of life's journey.
  • Captivating read!

    5
    By H Nash
    I did not realize this was historical fiction. Well written and easy to read. Follows 4 generations of Koreans before and after WW2. I am more fulfilled having read this book.
  • *Exhales* Wow!

    5
    By SaraLannz
    Once I started reading, I became fully invested. This book follows four generations during the Japanese occupation of Korea. To me, this work could pass as nonfiction I loved the first, second and third person perspectives. I was rooting for Sunja all the way. I felt all the emotions towards and between the characters. I was not a fan of Hana but for the most part, wanted the best outcome for the family. It’s such a layered beast that you can’t help but sit back and digest each person and event. Thanks for shedding light on the history because I never would’ve known.
  • Pachinko

    5
    By Fr.Fred
    I learned so much from this epic novel. More importantly, I cared about every member of the family at the center of this beautiful sweeping story. I will treasure the memory of them.
  • Loved this story, it kept me engaged until the end.

    5
    By marinagirl48
    Will read more from the same author
  • Beautiful story

    5
    By gabihuizar
    I did not want it to end. So emotional & moving!
  • No, not the end…

    4
    By CobiClimb
    I didn’t want it to end. Great to learn the story of Koreans in Japan.
  • Loved it from start to finish!

    5
    By DramaComma
    A nice long read with a history lesson wrapped up in the daily lives of the characters.
  • I feel so full after reading pachinko

    5
    By my yobo
    An incredible story