Book Title: Pachinko
Author: Min Jin Lee
Publisher: Head of Zeus
ISBN: 9781838930509
Price: RM55.90
We are of opinion that instead of letting books grow mouldy behind an iron grating, far from the vulgar gaze, it is better to let them wear out by being read.
– Jules Verne
What’s interesting about this book is how the words flow to create a unique story about the Pacific War in Japan, involving the Koreans. A historical narrative that details the hardships faced by Koreans during World War II, “Pachinko” revolves around four generations of a Korean family.
The term “Pachinko” itself comes from the popular Japanese arcade game — pinball — a recreational machine that often involves gambling. As I read through the book, I felt that the lives of the families were like the Pachinko machines — unpredictable — which strongly relates to reality. You can never know when fortune will strike or when bad luck will ensue. What you always know is that the crossroads of life is a gambling den.
“Pachinko” starts with the first generation of the family, detailing how they built their homestay business from the ground up until their only son, who was crippled, married his wife. They then had a daughter, Sunja, who becomes the highlight of the book.
Sunja fell into a hopeless romantic relationship and then found out her lover had a wife and family back in Japan. To keep her life from falling apart, Sunja, who discovered she was pregnant with her lover’s son, decided to marry a pastor she had accommodated at her mother’s homestay.
As each chapter tells her backstory, the narrative gradually moves into Japan during the Pacific War in the 1920s. Sunja and her husband, along with their son, her brother-in-law, and his wife, endured treacherous experiences as Koreans in Japan.
Over the decades, through the scrutiny of the war and its aftermath, Sunja and her family found themselves at a loss with their identity, being neither fully Korean nor fully Japanese. Because they were originally Koreans, they had no place in Japan. However, if they were to return to Korea, they would be known as Japanese.
The process continued even throughout the 1980s, as Koreans, though born in Japan and having lived there their entire lives, were still required to register for their foreign registration card. In a chapter of the book, the author explains that Koreans needed to renew their identity cards every two years to continue living in Japan. During this process, a Korean living in Japan could be deported for any reason.
Long-winded storytelling
Although I appreciated the book for its historical elements that taught me about how the Japanese felt during the war and the experiences of people living in the country, it was somewhat long-winded. The downside might be that the author wished to clarify the stories about each character; however, certain chapters seemed unnecessary, especially those elaborating on less meaningful characters.
Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read, filled with exhilaration. Min Jin Lee’s writing was poetic and thought-provoking. Many times, I found myself pondering the phrases and words that the author used.
I also enjoyed the thorough descriptions of the trials and tribulations faced by the Japanese. We usually hear about the war from non-Japanese perspectives, which are often harsh. Reading about pain and suffering from within Japan offers a fresh perspective on the war.
Highly recommendable
Spanning four generations of a family, “Pachinko” is not just a book of lessons; it also vividly describes the differences between each generation and how their thoughts influenced their actions. Why does someone born in the early 1900s behave one way, while someone born in the late 1900s behaves differently?
More than just a history book, it’s a perfect depiction of the generation gap. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy reading about history, moral values, and harsh realities, or for those who are simply curious about such topics. It is such a compelling read that in 2022, Apple+ TV released a series about the Korean immigrant family.
Though I have yet to watch the series, the book alone was enough to give me goosebumps, especially through the chronicles of the saga that the main characters endure.
