Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, Paperback Novel
Paperback: Pachinko is a multigenerational historical novel following a Korean immigrant family in 20th-century Japan. This English-language edition is listed at 512 pages and includes a reading group guide.
At a glance
- Follows four generations of a Korean immigrant family in 20th-century Japan.
- The story begins with Sunja, whose choices after discovering she is pregnant shape a family saga across generations.
- The listing says a reading group guide is included.
Reference price: $28.99
Price checked: Nov 12, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- A long-form, multigenerational story connects family choices with themes of love, sacrifice, ambition and loyalty.
- The included reading group guide may be useful for book-club discussions.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Grand Central Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Nov. 14 2017 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 512 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781455563920 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1455563920 |
| Weight listed | 431 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.45 x 20.32 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing presents this as a National Book Award finalist and describes it as a bestseller. These are listing claims, not edition specifications.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in historical fiction about Korean immigrant family life in Japan.
- Book clubs looking for a multigenerational story with a reading group guide.
- Readers comfortable with a 512-page novel and a story spanning generations.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short read or a story limited to one generation.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
61% 61% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the story as moving, engrossing and informative, with positive remarks about the writing and character development. Pacing is mixed, with some readers finding it good and others pointing to increasing time jumps. For readers choosing a 512-page, multigenerational historical novel, the reported engagement may appeal, while the pacing comments suggest the shifts across generations may not suit everyone.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the story as moving and engrossing, and praise the writing and character development.
- Feedback also says the historical novel is informative and readable.
Mixed feedback
- Pacing receives mixed feedback. Some readers find it good, while others mention increasing time jumps.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pachinko about?
It follows four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family in 20th-century Japan, beginning with Sunja and the consequences of her decision to leave home.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 512 pages.
Does the listing mention a reading group guide?
Yes. The product description says a reading group guide is included.
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