Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)
- Author: Min Jin Lee
- Narrator: Allison Hiroto
- Length: 0.75
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 07-Feb
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Family Life, Asian American Literature
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Listening to Min Jin Lee’s *Pachinko*, narrated by Allison Hiroto, felt like embarking on a deeply personal yet universal journey—a journey through history, resilience, and identity. As a travel writer, I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the tension between belonging and displacement, and this audiobook delivered that in ways both profound and intimate.
The story unfolds like a tapestry, intricately weaving the lives of four generations of a Korean immigrant family living in Japan. Beginning with Sunja, the steadfast daughter of a fisherman, her unexpected pregnancy sets off a cascade of decisions that ripple through decades. Lee’s prose is rich and textured, capturing moments of joy, heartbreak, and quiet perseverance with a clarity that feels almost cinematic. You can almost feel the bustling energy of the pachinko parlors, taste the salt air of Korea’s coast, and hear the muffled whispers of secrets passed down through generations.
I couldn’t help but be reminded of a time when I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, Mexico. Their grandmother would gather us around every evening to tell stories of the village’s history. She spoke with the same kind of warmth and gravity that Allison Hiroto brings to this audiobook. Hiroto’s narration is a masterclass in oral storytelling—her voice is steady and expressive, shifting seamlessly between characters and emotions. She captures Sunja’s quiet strength, the stoic dignity of her husband, and the nuanced struggles of their descendants with a sensitivity that feels deeply respectful to the material.
One of the audiobook’s strengths lies in its ability to immerse the listener in the cultural and historical backdrop of Korea and Japan during the 20th century. As someone who has explored East Asia extensively, I found myself nodding along to Lee’s depictions of the cultural clashes, the deep-seated prejudices, and the resilience of marginalized communities. The pachinko parlors, both literal and symbolic, serve as a fascinating metaphor for the game of chance that is life itself—where some win, most lose, and yet hope keeps the game going.
However, *Pachinko* is not just about history; it’s about people. Lee’s characters are vividly drawn, and their struggles feel achingly real. The complex dynamics between family members, the sacrifices made in the name of love, and the unyielding pursuit of dignity are themes that resonate universally. As I listened, I thought about my own family’s migration story from the Philippines to the United States, and the sacrifices my grandparents made. This personal connection made the audiobook’s exploration of identity and belonging hit even closer to home.
That said, the audiobook does require patience. At nearly 20 hours, it’s a commitment, and its intricacies demand your full attention. For those who enjoy fast-paced narratives, this might feel slow at times. But for listeners who appreciate character-driven stories with rich historical detail, *Pachinko* is a treasure.
Comparatively, it reminded me of Gabriel García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*—another multigenerational saga I listened to while driving through the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Both works draw you into their worlds with vivid detail and emotional depth, though Lee’s approach is more grounded in historical realism than magical realism.
I wholeheartedly recommend *Pachinko* to anyone who appreciates historical fiction, family sagas, or narratives that explore the complexities of identity and belonging. It’s perfect for listeners who want to immerse themselves in a richly told story that lingers long after the final chapter. Whether you’re a fan of Asian American literature or simply looking for a story that challenges and moves you, this audiobook is a must-listen.
In closing, I’d like to thank Min Jin Lee for her masterful storytelling and Allison Hiroto for bringing it to life in a way that felt both intimate and expansive. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones we take through stories, and *Pachinko* is a journey I’ll carry with me for years to come.
Warm regards,
Marcus Rivera
Warmest regards,
