This week I read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and it is one of my absolute favorite reads of the year. The storytelling is so understated and honest. I feel like this is a book that I’ll think about for years to come.
Pachinko tells a multi-generational story of a Korean family that moves to Japan. It is set against the backdrop of World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Every step of the way, you see how the characters wrestle with their identities. They navigate prejudice, love, pain and joy. You see the strength and flaws of each character and how that impacts their entire family.
You want to see a very bad man? Make an ordinary man successful beyond his imagination. Let’s see how good he is when he can do whatever he wants – Pachinko, page 42
I feel like the beauty of this story is in its simplicity. The author doesn’t emotionally manipulate you into specific feelings for the characters. Everything is understated and you are left to find your own connections with each of them. I truly came to love each of them as flawed humans.
I feel like this book is an excellent read for anyone. I’m not often drawn to historical fiction, but the storytelling of war is woven in perfectly. It makes me want to learn more about Korean history.
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