Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

“Pachinko” is a novel by Min Jin Lee, a Korean-American writer. The book follows the lives of a Korean family over four generations, beginning in the early 1900s and spanning several decades. It tells the story of Sunja, a young woman who falls pregnant by a wealthy married man, and is forced to marry a Korean Christian minister and move to Japan.

The family faces discrimination and prejudice in Japan, as Koreans are seen as second-class citizens. Sunja’s children and grandchildren struggle to find their place in a society that rejects them, while also trying to hold on to their Korean identity and culture.

Through the family’s experiences, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the struggle for acceptance and belonging. It also delves into the complex history of Korean-Japanese relations, and the impact of war and colonialism on individual lives and communities.

The writing in “Pachinko” is evocative and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the characters’ emotions, experiences, and surroundings. The characters are complex and fully realized, with distinct personalities and motivations.

“Pachinko” has been widely acclaimed for its compelling storytelling, historical accuracy, and social commentary. It has been translated into multiple languages and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017.