Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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.
The 6145th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2017
- Nationality
- Korean
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 400-500
- Words
- 166,000
- Original Language
- English
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following lists:
- 222 Best Books of All Time That Deserve a Spot on Your Bookshelf, With Picks from Bestselling Authors and Indie Booksellers (Parade)
- The 10 Best Books Through Time (New York Times)