Pachinko – engaging, immersive, eye-opening
Recommended by a coworker who is making her way through NPR’s best books of 2017 list, Pachiko did not disappoint.
Set between before World War 1 through 1989, the book follows a Korean family through a few generations. It particularly focuses on how they settled in Japan and their distinction as foreigners. While reading the book, I immediately was invested in the family’s well-being and felt such a closeness to them. Min Jin Lee does a incredible job of narrating the story through different characters’ perspectives.
You’re glad when they thrive, but brace yourself for a tale of difficult times. It was a longer read, just shy of 500 pages, but every time I picked up the book it was like I was catching up with an old family member.
To top off reading through this book, I visited Jeju Sauna, a Korean spa, in Atlanta. Any awkwardness aside, it was just as comforting and inviting as the book. The ladies working there reminded me of elderly aunts taking care of me. I found myself admiring their hard work, just as the characters in Pachinko.
Oh, if you’ve seen the Conan sketch, do not panic. It wasn’t as painful as it seems, but did make for a hilarious comedy sketch.
All in all, a wonderful read and a wonderful experience.
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