Book Review | Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A rich piece of Historical fiction, Pachinko follows a Korean family across four generations.
The novel begins in the early 1900s, on the verge of Japan’s annexation of Korea. Min Jin Lee tells a touching story about the hardships Korean’s faced during this time in history. Feeling far from home in their own country, fleeing to Japan sadly provides no relief, instead what follows are generations of pain and struggles with heritage and identity.
Pachinko plays host to some fantastic characters, however, the narrative centres around the protagonist, Sunja. From a young age, she is hard-working, modest and loyal. At a ripe 17, she falls in love with a well-polished and sharp Japanese man, Koh Hansu, and soon falls pregnant with his baby. After the unfortunate discovery that Hansu is a gangster and has a wife and three daughters, Sunja realizes the alarming risk of being pregnant and unmarried. She is lucky to find refuge in Isak, a Christian Minister who offers to take her hand in marriage and raise the baby as his own. Together they emigrate from Korea to Japan to live with his brother.
The remainder of the book follows the family’s life in Japan. After the healthy birth of Noa, and eventually his brother, Mozasu, the spotlight shifts onto the next generation as they try to stay afloat during a period of turmoil, upheaval and war. The brothers are unique in their own ways. Noa is a well behaved and gentle soul. From a young age, he is encouraged to learn and express curiosity.
“Learn everything. Fill your mind with knowledge—it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.”
Passionate about his studies drives continuous top marks at school, which see him destined for a prestige University. Mozasu, more outspoken and a little rough and tumble, isn’t interested in education and is often fighting off bullies. Despite their seemingly different fate, we discover that their future paths aren’t so different after all.
This is where the title Pachinko comes into play. Pachinko is a Japanese arcade game, and Pachinko Parlours are prominent on high streets across Japan. A somewhat safe haven and home to many Koreans, despite its bad reputation, it’s almost hinted as a little slice of paradise in an otherwise lonely world.
“He understood why his customers wanted to play something that looked fixed but which also left room for randomness and hope.”
This book teaches a lot about Korean history. For someone without much prior knowledge, I found it to be captivating, informative and moving. It paints a perfect picture of discrimination and injustice, a raw account of life through the eyes of 4 generations.
As the story spans across 80 years, you eventually understand their lives and intertwined relationships. I appreciated the bond Sunja shared with her family members, particularly with her sister in law, Kyunghee. Like warriors, a strong sisterhood even if not by blood, the two would do anything for one another. Also, Sunja’s relationship with Hansu remains intriguing throughout the whole story. Hansu, a filthy rich yazuka (gangster) insists on providing a better life for her and Noa, basically a saving grace within easy reach. Yet, Sunja’s strong will and courage shine through as she continuously declines Hansu’s dirty money. She would rather live an honest life, albeit one of sacrifice, and that says so much about her memorable character.
While we learn a lot about their mother, I was most intrigued – but also pained - by the lives of Noa, Mozasu, and their own children. A particular scene stuck with me, it describes Mozasu’s Japan-born son Solomon, whom on his birthday must register as a zaichini – a foreign citizen. A sad reminder that his heritage cements his second-class status, and he will always be cast as an unwanted outsider.
“Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.”
Resilience, loyalty and diligence are dominant attributes held by the family through times of exile and discrimination. They all resemble a fighter in their own way. Ultimately, Pachinko is a bittersweet tale written so thoughtfully and beautifully, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope you do too!