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Pachinko

By: Min Jin Lee
Narrated by: Sandra Oh, Min Jin Lee
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Publisher's summary

One of the New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century

In this New York Times bestseller, four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family fight to control their destiny in 20th-century Japan–the inspiration for the television series on Apple TV+.

In the early 1900s, teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a crippled fisherman, falls for a wealthy stranger. When she discovers she is pregnant–and that her lover is married–she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle, sickly minister passing through on his way to Japan. But her decision to abandon her home, and to reject her son's powerful father, sets off a dramatic saga that will echo down through the generations.

Profoundly moving, Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty.

NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2017 * A USA TODAY TOP TEN OF 2017 * JULY PICK FOR THE PBS NEWSHOUR-NEW YORK TIMES BOOK CLUB NOW READ THIS * FINALIST FOR THE 2018 DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE * WINNER OF THE MEDICI BOOK CLUB PRIZE

Roxane Gay's Favorite Book of 2017, Washington Post

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * #1 BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER * WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER * WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER

©2017 Min Jin Lee (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing
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What listeners say about Pachinko

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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible. Best audio book I’ve ever listened to. And I’ve listened to many.

The story was spontaneous yet precise. The narration was perfect . The author paints a vivid picture, so clear, and so descriptive, you’ll travel through time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Transfixing historical drama

Loved learning so much about the history of Koreans in Japan for the first time. Incredible characters, story and performance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Exquisite storytelling

This was an incredible story and though it spanned many years it didn’t feel rushed and held my attention throughout. I cared about the characters and loved that it illustrated the complexity of each dealing with cultural and circumstantial obstacles to persevere and strive for happiness, love, and survival. The narration was excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating

I felt genuinely invested in each of the characters, there was so much interesting information about the culture from a native perspective. Their experiences were relatable. The end could be described as anti-climactic but I felt it was meant to encourage thoughtful contemplation. I plan to go back to the last chapter when I can just sit quietly with the last scene.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great read!

A beautiful and heart breaking story. Loved it. A story if strength and sacrifice for your family. The narrator, Sandra Oh, was amazing. She should narrate more books.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Grew on me slowly and captivated me by the end

The beginning was a bit of a slog for me but I was completely immersed by the midway point. While the writing felt stilted at times, I felt so connected to several of the characters (somewhat surprising for a white male Texan like me).

I’m a fan of Sandra Oh as an actor but was nonplussed by her narration. It was fine but uninspiring.

I loved learning about Korean and Japanese history and culture. I am motivated to continue learning more.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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A story of a Korean family living in Japan

A rich family story of a Korean family living in Japan. Their struggles, what each generation had to go through just to live better. I personally did not like the ending. I felt it was rushed through.

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