A fascinating tale following multiple generations of a Korean family as they make their way in Japan. It never dragged even though it is long-- and I appreciated that it was told in a linear style.

This book was eye opening as I did not know much about racism in Japan. I loved the narration of this book and how it follows one Korean family for four generations while living in Japan. Pachinko is beautifully written and touches on themes of love, family, and a struggle to survive.

If one is familiar with the Korean occupation by Japan, then this book is a "lite" version of what really happened during those years. For those unfamiliar, then it would be an eye opener. Korea was occupied for almost 50 years by the Japanese who forced not only their culture and language on the Korean people but forced many to change their names to Japanese ones and also destroyed much of Korean historical documentation. Though the story itself is entertaining to a degree, the underlying currents are just brushed upon. Today, Korea and Japan have a tenuous relationship because of those years of occupation and corruption on both sides resulting in not-forgotten memories. I loved the characters in the book and thought is was well written with all of the twists and turns that played out in the plot. Soon to become a Korean drama starring one of Korea's favourite actors, Pachinko is set to begin filming in Vancouver, Canada.

Very interesting.

Audrey recommendation.

This book was just Ok. Had a hard time getting into it.

Seattle times Rep Marilyn Strickland recommendation

Modern Mrs Darcy

An enthralling and informative novel that follows three generations of Koreans caught up in the colonization of Korea by Japan. The indiscriminate prejudice and abuse by the Japanese is another shameful example of Japan - in China, Korea and, not the least, of becoming an ally of Germany and their attack on Hawaii.
Events lead the young pregnant matriarch, Sunja, to leave Korea, wed a minister, and move to Japan. Hardships continue for many years - illnesses, death and a continuing struggle to rise out of extreme poverty.
Ultimately, through the ownership of Pachinko parlors, the family rises to wealth. Nevertheless, wealth is not what cements this family together; rather, it is loyalty, mutual commitment and love that is their secret weapon.
Highly worth reading.

If you don't like long reviews, just read the last segment. But if you enjoy wasting time like I did writing this, just keep reading:

You don't need to be a koreaboo and/or a weeb to gain interest in this story; it's a fictitious, representative novel of thousands of stories told by Korean-Japanese immigrants and their descendants (best of both worlds? possibly). In this novel, Min Jin Lee writes the tale of several generations through one Korean family line over various life circumstances, allowing readers to sympathize and follow with every character's storylines. She is amazing at writing overlapping character development as she intertwines complex issues into the story. The plot is devoted to a genuine issue among Korean-Japanese immigrants and descendants who suffer from discrimination of being a "zainichi", a Japanese slang term referring to "foreign resident staying in Japan". The novel took about a week to read and I was amazed at the author's expertise the entire time. Though this story stood with Lee for nearly 30 years, it was definitely time well spent writing.

TL;DR:
-book = good.
-compatible for (non-) koreaboos and weebs /s
-centralized around discrimination among Korean-Japanese citizens
-there is some gambling. some drinking. lots of sex. just the good stuff.