Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)

by Min Jin Lee

Rating: 4.50 (1 ratings)

First published 2017

In 1900s Korea, Sunja, the fisherman's daughter, falls for a wealthy stranger. Pregnant and abandoned, she instead marries a gentle minister traveling to Japan. Her bold choice sets off a dramatic family saga spanning decades. From bustling markets to university halls, Sunja's family—strong-willed women, devoted sons—survive and thrive against the arc of history. This rich, moving story explores the enduring bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit.

Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 21st-century, asian-american, family-drama

Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking

Tropes: family-saga, resilience, survival

Setting: Korea, Japan

Period: 20th century

512 pages · Paperback · Grand Central Publishing

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