A review by chery
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

emotional sad medium-paced

3.0

I struggle to grasp the historical context of Japan and Korea before the war within the book’s narrative. The focus on Sunja and her descendants seems to overshadow the historical backdrop, diminishing its initial allure. The narrative predominantly revolves around her family members—her husband, sons, and grandson—resembling more of a dramatic storytelling rather than a thorough exploration of historical fiction. This superficial approach lacks the depth required to delve into the characters’ emotions, making it challenging for me to remain engaged until the conclusion.