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Ellen's Reviews > Pachinko
Pachinko
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This has been on my list since it first came out and it was no disappointment. This family saga begins with a poor but loving Korean family and follows them through the next three generations and to Japan. Although I was aware of the prejudice Japan had for Koreans, I really had no idea of the extent of it.
It is difficult to discuss the book without giving spoilers. Although long, I would definitely call this an easy read. There are no real challenges in the writing or concepts but the story is compelling and the characters likable. I became very invested in the fortunes of this family.
Pachinko is a game of chance, only not really. Extremely popular in Japan it is a bit like pinball. The game can be rigged by the owners so that the player may still win on some machines-but not all. A lot like life in this book. A combination of luck and skill and sometimes all the skill in the world is not enough to beat the house.
It is difficult to discuss the book without giving spoilers. Although long, I would definitely call this an easy read. There are no real challenges in the writing or concepts but the story is compelling and the characters likable. I became very invested in the fortunes of this family.
Pachinko is a game of chance, only not really. Extremely popular in Japan it is a bit like pinball. The game can be rigged by the owners so that the player may still win on some machines-but not all. A lot like life in this book. A combination of luck and skill and sometimes all the skill in the world is not enough to beat the house.
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Reading Progress
May 29, 2017
–
Started Reading
May 29, 2017
– Shelved
May 29, 2017
–
6.0%
"Strong opening. Can't wait to see what's happening.
I'm so off track on my reading challenge. Keep getting distracted by all these great books!"
I'm so off track on my reading challenge. Keep getting distracted by all these great books!"
June 3, 2017
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15.0%
"I have fallen in love with the characters in this story and can't wait to find out what happens to them.
The history is also interesting and adds another dimension to the story. These people's lives are affected not only by their character and personal choices but by the times and place in which they live."
The history is also interesting and adds another dimension to the story. These people's lives are affected not only by their character and personal choices but by the times and place in which they live."
June 5, 2017
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54.0%
"Hard to put down. I've come to care a lot for these characters and their struggles as Koreans in Japan, and the destruction of their homeland."
June 7, 2017
– Shelved as:
2017indchallenge
June 7, 2017
– Shelved as:
asia
June 7, 2017
– Shelved as:
family
June 7, 2017
– Shelved as:
fiction
June 7, 2017
– Shelved as:
kindle
June 7, 2017
–
Finished Reading
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Marialyce
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rated it 4 stars
Jun 07, 2017 04:03PM
A wonderful book and a lovely review of it.
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Love your thoughts on this , Ellie . Glad you loved it too.
Nice review. I should look into it.
Elyse wrote: "Wasn't it great? So much going on.... forgive me for being so late in seen your comment under review... which that me right over here!!!! :). Xo"And it's a book that has really stayed with me, which doesn't happen all that often.
I'm way behind in responding to you-forgive me! Work is crazy. But you know I always love your reviews!
On my Christmas wish list!
Linda wrote: "On my Christmas wish list!"I hope you get it! Merry Christmas!
Same to you Ellie. Here's to reading even more books in 2018!
Deanna wrote: "Great review, Ellie!"Thanks Deanna. I'm way behind in reading my GR updates so forgive me for not being up to date with your reviews.
Enjoy this holiday season,
Best wishes.
