Our rating: 4.5 / 5

How this book made us feel: 💔 😞 😭

Themes: mental fortitude, resilience, courage, grief

Min Jin Lee's "Pachinko" isn't just a novel—it's a sweeping journey through generations, a vivid portrayal of family ties, and a poignant exploration of the human spirit's endurance in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of Korea and Japan, this masterful work unravels mental health and well-being issues with a grace that resonates deeply.

The novel follows the lives of several characters spanning four generations, bound by their Korean heritage and their shared experiences as immigrants in Japan. At its core, "Pachinko" paints a rich tapestry of resilience in the face of economic hardships, cultural discrimination, and the profound challenges of displacement. As readers traverse the characters' lives, the importance of mental fortitude becomes a central theme.

Lee masterfully delves into the complexities of mental health, portraying characters who grapple with the weight of their circumstances. The constant struggle for survival and the need to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings take a toll on their emotional well-being. The generational shifts in the narrative provide a lens through which we witness the interplay between resilience and the mental toll of life's struggles.

“Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.”

MIN JIN LEE, Pachinko

Throughout the novel, we witness characters navigating the intricate balance between personal desires and familial expectations. Lee's portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys encapsulates the toll that suppressing one's dreams and ambitions can have on mental health. From the quiet resignation of a daughter to the silent suffering of a son, "Pachinko" presents a sobering perspective on the sacrifices made for the sake of family and survival.

Lee's prose is both evocative and accessible, pulling readers into the hearts and minds of her characters. The story's tapestry of emotions—hope, despair, love, and betrayal—brings depth to the characters' mental landscapes. As readers, we witness the characters' silent battles, their moments of strength, and their vulnerabilities, reflecting the universal human experience of navigating internal struggles.

"Pachinko" serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of mental health and the narratives we construct to make sense of our lives. Lee doesn't shy away from the complexities of her characters' inner worlds, nor from the intersections between mental well-being and cultural identity. The novel is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't always synonymous with strength; it's also about recognizing and addressing the mental toll of life's challenges.

In its sprawling exploration of human experiences, "Pachinko" invites us to consider how our own mental well-being is shaped by the stories we inherit and the choices we make. This novel is a triumph—a literary mosaic that honors the strength of the human spirit while illuminating the often overlooked aspect of mental health and its role in shaping our lives.