Pachinko

What I loved about this book is that it immersed me in another time and place, one I am not well-versed in. I learned a lot, which is one of the reasons I am drawn to historical fiction. Pachinko is an epic saga; it spans generations and shows the complexity of the Japan-Korea relationship, examining life for Koreans under Japanese occupation and, later, for Koreans as expatriates living in Japan. Which is another reason I like historical fiction- it never fails to show that humans have a huge capacity for searching for and punishing someone different.

I've read many historical fiction books, so I can't say I was surprised at the suffering and humiliation one person can inflict on another, but the shock value is still there. This is also a story of courage and strength as Sujin and her family struggle for a better life against the odds of poverty, war, and tragedy. While the content is epic in scope, pacing issues surface as a result, and some may find the constant hardships the characters endure too much. But if you love family sagas and exploring the past through character-driven stories, this is perfect for you.