Min Jin Lee

Min Jin Lee is a Korean-American author known for her novels which explore the themes of immigration, identity, and belonging. Her notable works include 'Free Food for Millionaires' and 'Pachinko,' the latter of which was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and has been adapted into a television series. Lee's writing is celebrated for its depth and its empathetic portrayal of Korean and Korean-American characters.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Pachinko

    The novel is a sweeping historical saga that follows four generations of a Korean family from the early 20th century to the 1980s, beginning in Japanese-occupied Korea and moving to Japan. It explores the family's struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of cultural and social discrimination. The game of Pachinko, a popular Japanese arcade game, serves as a metaphor for the randomness and challenges of life that the characters face, particularly in the context of their immigrant status and the enduring quest for identity, acceptance, and success in a foreign land. Through the family's experiences, the narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, painting a vivid portrait of an often invisible segment of Japanese society.