Min Jin Lee's Pachinko has garnered praise for its intricate storytelling and rich historical context, vividly depicting the struggles and resilience of Korean families in Japan. Critics commend its deeply emotional narrative and well-developed characters. However, some find its pacing uneven and descriptions occasionally excessive. Overall, it is celebrated for its ambitious and powerful portrayal of identity and survival.

Lovers of multigenerational family sagas and historical fiction will find Pachinko by Min Jin Lee captivating. This novel, similar to works like The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, engrosses readers with its deep exploration of identity, resilience, and the Korean immigrant experience in Japan.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee traces the multigenerational saga of a Korean family affected by love, ambition, and discrimination in Korea and Japan from 1910 to 1989, centering on Sunja, who navigates hardships and relationships after a complicated pregnancy and a move to Japan, exploring themes of resilience and identity amidst cultural marginalization.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Emotional / Inspirational / Nostalgic

**Yangjin**  
Yangjin is a self-sacrificing woman who marries a man to alleviate her family's financial burden in *Pachinko*. She diligently maintains a boardinghouse after her husband's death and supports her daughter, Sunja, even as she departs to Japan. Reunited with Sunja years later, Yangjin expresses her feelings of loneliness before her death.

**Sunja**  
Sunja is Yangjin's resilient daughter in *Pachinko* who works hard to support her family after her husband's imprisonment. She challenges traditional beliefs about women's suffering and works consistently to provide for her loved ones.

**Hansu**  
Hansu, in *Pachinko*, is a man from poor beginnings who gains power through connections with a Japanese gangster. He becomes involved with Sunja and supports her family, valuing education and practicality despite his self-interested nature.

**Isak**  
Isak is a virtuous and idealistic character in *Pachinko* who moves from Korea to Japan to work as a pastor. His selflessness and faith make a lasting impression on his family and community.

**Noa**  
Noa in *Pachinko* is a studious and determined character who shares his biological father's love for education. He struggles with his identity and familial connections, striving to create an honorable life.

**Mozasu**  
Mozasu is a practical character in *Pachinko* who finds success in the pachinko business. He values honesty and openness, supporting his family and employees while aiming to provide opportunities for his son.

**Solomon**  
Solomon appears in *Pachinko* as an intelligent and adaptable young man with a broad worldview, having lived in America. He embraces the diversity of his experiences and chooses to continue in the family business while valuing his heritage.

- Pachinko was a finalist for the 2017 National Book Award for Fiction, highlighting its critical acclaim and significance in contemporary literature.
- The novel took Min Jin Lee nearly 30 years to write, as it involved extensive research and personal interviews with numerous Korean Japanese individuals to capture their nuanced experiences. 
- Pachinko was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series released on Apple TV+ in 2022, bringing the multigenerational saga to a broader audience through a different medium.

Min Jin Lee

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Pachinko Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “Gohyang/Hometown 1910-1933”

Book 1, Chapters 1-6

Pachinko Book 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 7-11

Pachinko Book 1, Chapters 7-11 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 12-17

Pachinko Book 1, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “Motherland 1939-1962”

Book 2, Chapters 1-5

Pachinko Book 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 6-10

Pachinko Book 2, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

 Book 2, Chapters 11-15

Pachinko  Book 2, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

 Book 2, Chapters 16-20

Pachinko  Book 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Book 3: “Pachinko 1962-1989”

 Book 3, Chapters 1-5

Pachinko  Book 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 6-11

Pachinko Book 3, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 12-16

Pachinko Book 3, Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 17-21

Pachinko Book 3, Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Pachinko Character Analysis

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Themes

Pachinko Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Pachinko Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Pachinko Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Pachinko Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Pachinko Book Club Questions

Pachinko Teaching Materials

Quiz

Pachinko Quiz

How to use

Pachinko How to use

Pre-Reading Context

Pachinko Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

Pachinko Thought & Response Prompts

Paired Texts & Other Resources

Pachinko Paired Texts & Other Resources

Activity

Pachinko Activity

Essay Questions

Pachinko Essay Questions

Pachinko

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Pachinko?

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