FMV Book Club: ‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee

Date: 31.08.2026
Time: 18:00-21:00
Host: Female Minority Voices

Facebook event

Starting our fall 2026 season with a sweeping story of migration, identity, resilience, and belonging.

August's Book Pick: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Genre: Historical Fiction / Family Saga
From: Korea → Japan

About the book:
Spanning nearly a century, Pachinko follows four generations of a Korean family whose lives are shaped by migration, colonialism, war, discrimination, love, and sacrifice.Beginning in early 20th-century Korea and continuing through decades of life in Japan, the novel explores what it means to belong in a society that sees you as an outsider. Through the experiences of mothers, daughters, sons, and grandchildren, Min Jin Lee tells a sweeping story about identity, resilience, family, and survival.Rich in historical detail and unforgettable characters, Pachinko has become one of the most acclaimed novels of the 21st century.

Why we chose it:
To begin our autumn season, we wanted a novel that is both deeply personal and expansive in scope.
Pachinko introduces us to a community that is often overlooked in mainstream histories: Koreans living in Japan. Through one family's journey, the novel explores migration, discrimination, cultural identity, and the difficult choices people make for those they love.

At FMV, we are interested in stories that help us understand both the diversity of human experience and the connections between us. Pachinko does exactly that - reminding us that history is not only shaped by nations and wars, but by ordinary people trying to build meaningful lives.
It is a powerful story of survival, but also of love, hope, dignity, and belonging.

Haven't read the book? Come anyway!
Our discussions are always open - whether you've finished the book, skimmed it, or simply want to learn. We'll explore the themes, the history, and the cultural context together.

Bring a friend.

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This event is free and open to all. 

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