“History has failed us, but no matter.”
— Min Jin Lee, Pachinko
Some books tell stories that entertain, and some that stay with you long after you finish reading. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is the latter. This historical fiction novel spans four generations of a Korean family and navigates themes of identity, survival, love, and resilience.
The book follows Sunja, a young woman from Korea, whose life changes after an unexpected pregnancy. She moves to Japan, where she and her family face discrimination, poverty, and the struggles of being outsiders in a foreign land.
Despite the hardships, Pachinko is a story about strength, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
In this review, I’ll explore the plot, themes, writing style, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide if this novel is worth reading.
About the Book
Pachinko is a historical fiction novel written by Min Jin Lee and published in 2017. It tells the story of four generations of a Korean family, beginning in the early 1900s and spanning decades as they navigate life in Korea and Japan.
At its heart, Pachinko is a story about survival, sacrifice, identity, and resilience. The novel follows Sunja, a young woman whose unexpected pregnancy leads her to marry a Christian minister and move to Japan, where she faces a life of struggle, discrimination, and hardship. As her children and grandchildren grow up, they must navigate what it means to be Korean in a country that does not fully accept them.
The title refers to pachinko, a Japanese pinball gambling game, which becomes a metaphor for the uncertainty and struggles of life. The book explores themes of belonging, perseverance, and family bonds, making it one of the most powerful and emotionally compelling novels in recent years.
Plot Summary
- Sunja: The main protagonist is a young Korean woman who faces an unexpected pregnancy and must make difficult choices that shape the fate of her family.
- Hansu: A wealthy, powerful businessman with ties to organized crime. He has a lasting impact on Sunja’s life.
- Isak: A kind and devout Christian minister who marries Sunja, offering her and her unborn child a chance at stability.
- Noa and Mozasu: Sunja’s two sons, who grow up in Japan and take very different paths in life.
- Kyunghee: Sunja’s sister-in-law, who becomes a strong emotional support in her new life.
The novel begins in early 1900s Korea, a time when Korea was under Japanese rule. Sunja, the daughter of a humble innkeeper, falls for Hansu, a wealthy and powerful man. When she becomes pregnant, she learns that Hansu is already married, leaving her future uncertain.
To avoid disgrace, Sunja marries Isak, a kind-hearted Christian minister, and moves with him to Japan, where she faces a new set of struggles. In Japan, Koreans are treated as second-class citizens, forced to take low-paying jobs, and denied basic rights. Sunja’s family works hard to survive, with some members finding success in the pachinko business, a gambling industry controlled largely by Koreans.
As the story progresses, we follow Sunja’s children and grandchildren, each trying to carve out a place for themselves in a country that refuses to accept them. The novel spans over 70 years, showing how history, identity, and personal choices shape the destinies of multiple generations.
My Review
Writing Style & Pacing
Min Jin Lee’s writing is rich, immersive, and deeply emotional. She tells the story in short, powerful chapters, making the book easy to read despite its length. The pacing is steady, but the focus is on characters rather than action, making it a slow but rewarding read.
Themes & Emotional Impact
Pachinko is much more than a family saga—it’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and resilience.
- Discrimination and Identity: The novel sheds light on the struggles of Koreans living in Japan, facing racism, economic hardship, and the challenge of belonging to a country that does not accept them.
- Women’s Strength and Sacrifice: Sunja’s story is one of endurance and survival. She makes sacrifices for her family, showing how women’s strength often goes unrecognized in history.
- Family and Generational Trauma: The book explores how trauma and struggles are passed down through generations, shaping the lives of children and grandchildren.
What I Loved About the Book
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its characters. Each person in the novel feels real, with flaws, dreams, and struggles that make them unforgettable. Sunja, in particular, is a character you root for, admire, and feel deeply for.
The historical detail is also remarkable. The book gives insight into Korean-Japanese relations, a history that many readers may not be familiar with. It shows how history shapes individuals and families, making the story feel even more powerful.
Where the Book Was Lacking
- Slow Pace: The book is long and character-driven, meaning some moments feel slow, especially if you prefer fast-moving plots.
- Abrupt Endings for Some Characters: Some storylines end suddenly or feel unresolved, which can be frustrating for readers who want closure.
- Heavy Subject Matter: The book deals with poverty, discrimination, war, and loss, which may be emotionally intense for some readers.
EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING
- Sunja’s first love, Hansu, is already married. This revelation forces her to choose a different path for herself and her unborn child.
- Isak is arrested and imprisoned in Japan. This leaves Sunja alone to raise their children in extreme hardship.
- Noa, Sunja’s son, learns the truth about his father. Ashamed of his heritage, he distances himself from his family and makes a tragic decision.
- Mozasu becomes successful in the pachinko business. Unlike Noa, he embraces his identity and thrives despite discrimination.
- Hansu secretly helps Sunja’s family. Despite his flaws, he remains connected to Sunja’s life.
- The novel ends on a bittersweet note. Sunja’s family finds some success, but the scars of discrimination and loss remain.
Ratings and Reader Opinions
Goodreads Rating & Reader Opinions
- Overall Goodreads Rating: 4.33/5 (based on 300,000+ reviews)
- Reader Reviews:
- “A powerful, heartbreaking story about family and survival.” – 5 stars
- “Beautifully written, but slow in parts.” – 4 stars
- “A must-read if you love historical fiction and multi-generational sagas.” – 5 stars
Amazon Reviews
- Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 (based on thousands of reviews)
- Reader Comments:
- “One of the best books I’ve ever read.”
- “Emotional, eye-opening, and deeply moving.”
- “Took me a while to get into, but by the end, I was completely invested.”
What Authors Have to Say About Pachinko
Pachinko has received praise from many well-known authors and literary critics for its rich storytelling, historical depth, and emotional impact.
- Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist and Hunger, praised it as:
“A beautifully crafted novel that captures the endurance and strength of an entire people. Min Jin Lee writes with incredible depth and compassion.” - Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, called it:
“An extraordinary epic, beautifully rendered, profoundly moving. It’s a testament to the sacrifices made for family and the ways history shapes lives.” - Barack Obama, former U.S. president and avid reader, included Pachinko on his recommended reading list, saying:
“A powerful story about resilience and survival. A must-read for those who love historical fiction.” - Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, wrote:
“Min Jin Lee has created a masterpiece, capturing the struggles of generations with precision and heart. A truly unforgettable novel.”
Is Reading Pachinko Worth It?
“Living every day in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.”
— Min Jin Lee, Pachinko
Pachinko is more than just a novel—it’s an experience. This book is rich in history, deeply emotional, and beautifully written. If you love multi-generational family sagas, historical fiction, and character-driven stories, Pachinko is absolutely worth reading.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its realistic portrayal of Korean immigrants in Japan, a lesser-known aspect of history that is rarely explored in fiction. The book doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of discrimination, poverty, and the struggles of being an outsider. Yet, through it all, it tells a story of love, resilience, and the power of family.
However, Pachinko may not be for everyone. It is a slow-burning, character-driven novel that focuses more on personal experiences and historical struggles than fast-moving action. Some readers might find the pacing too slow, and certain storylines end abruptly, leaving some questions unanswered.
That said, if you appreciate deeply moving, thought-provoking books, Pachinko is an unforgettable read. It lingers in your mind long after you finish it, making you reflect on history, identity, and the invisible struggles that shape people’s lives.
For those who love epic family sagas like The Nightingale, The Joy Luck Club, or Homegoing, Pachinko is absolutely worth reading. It’s a novel that captures the beauty and pain of life, and it’s a story you won’t forget.
If You Like These Genres or Story Arcs, You Should Try It
- Multi-generational family sagas: If you love books that follow families over decades, this is a must-read.
- Historical fiction: If you enjoy learning about history through personal stories, this book offers a deeply researched look at Korea and Japan.
- Character-driven narratives: If you prefer rich character development over fast-moving plots, this book is perfect.
- Themes of identity and belonging: If you liked The Nightingale or The Book Thief, you’ll appreciate Pachinko’s emotional depth.
Similar Books If You Enjoyed This One
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: A WWII novel about sisterhood, survival, and resistance.
- The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See: A story of female friendship and resilience in Korea.
- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: A multigenerational saga exploring Chinese-American identity and mother-daughter relationships.
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: A powerful family saga spanning generations and continents.
- A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: A deeply emotional character-driven novel about trauma, love, and friendship.
Which Min Jin Lee Book Should You Read Next?
- Free Food for Millionaires (2007): A contemporary novel about a Korean-American woman navigating class, ambition, and cultural identity in New York.
- American Hagwon (Upcoming): A modern story about academic pressure, success, and family expectations in Korean culture.
