📖 peek insidePachinko
by Min Jin Lee
This sweeping multi-generational saga begins in early 20th-century Korea with Sunja, whose unplanned pregnancy forces her to move to Japan. Following four generations of a Korean family living as immigrants in a country that views them as outsiders, the novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging. Through the lens of a family-run pachinko parlor, Lee masterfully depicts the struggles against discrimination and the enduring power of heritage. It is a profound, deeply moving exploration of sacrifice and survival.
Widely read around the world. Estimated 6 million readers.
Notable Quotes
"Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage."
"You want to see a very bad man? Make an ordinary man successful beyond his imagination. Let’s see how good he is when he can do whatever he wants."
"Learn everything. Fill your mind with knowledge—it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.” Hansu never told him to study, but rather to learn, and it occurred to Noa that there was a marked difference. Learning was like playing, not labor."
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