Author Min Jin Lee joins the podcast to discuss her novel Pachinko and the themes of immigration, women's roles, motherhood, and war. They also talk about the novel-writing process, making Pachinko a reality, and Lee's upcoming projects. They reflect on their experiences as immigrants and the importance of pursuing fulfilling work. They discuss the progress of Lee's third novel American Hag One and the power of literature to change minds. They share admiration, inspiration, and book recommendations.
Min Jin Lee's novel, Pachinko, explores subjects like immigration, anti-immigrant sentiment, gender roles, motherhood, faith, war, and substance abuse.
Min Jin Lee's journey from South Korea to the United States exemplifies the pursuit of one's passion and the importance of storytelling to capture immigrant experiences.
Min Jin Lee emphasizes the value of living authentically, telling emotional truths through writing, and cherishing connections with others.
Deep dives
The Plight of Women in Iran
Women in Iran are facing oppression and violence, particularly due to the mandatory hijab law. Protests have erupted in response, with women cutting their hair and burning their hijabs in what is being called a women's revolution. The pleas for help from women on the front line in Iran highlight the dangerous situation they face, with fear of being murdered or harmed by the government. The hijab law is seen as a violation of human rights and freedom, and these women are calling for solidarity and support from the international community.
The Inspiring Journey of Min Jin Lee
Min Jin Lee, an author and storyteller, shares her inspiring journey from immigrating from Seoul, South Korea to Queens, New York at the age of seven. Despite language barriers and cultural adjustments, Min excelled in her studies, eventually attending Yale and Georgetown Law. However, she left her corporate law career to pursue her passion for writing. Her debut novel, 'Free Food for Millionaires' and the critically acclaimed 'Pachinko' showcase her remarkable storytelling abilities and exploration of immigrant experiences. Min's work is deeply rooted in research and emotional truth, creating powerful and resonant narratives.
Min Jin Lee's Reflections on Life and Success
Min Jin Lee reflects on her experience of being a chronic hepatitis B carrier, which she discovered as a teenager. This diagnosis led her to have a sense of urgency and motivated her to live her most authentic life. Despite the challenges she faced, Min pursued her passion for writing, even without a contract or financial security, and took the time to research extensively for her books. She emphasizes the importance of telling emotional truths and having an impact on readers. Min also highlights the notion of embracing the present moment and cherishing connections with others.
The Power of Literature and Marginalized Voices
A conversation between Min Jin Lee and Dua Lipa delves into the current cultural war surrounding literature. Books that address important issues like LGBTQ rights and racial inequality are being banned and marginalized voices are being silenced. Min and Dua recognize the significance of literature in challenging and changing minds. They discuss the responsibility to use their platforms to fight against censorship, division, and oppression. Both authors express the need for unity and the power of storytelling in breaking down barriers and opening minds.
Recommendations for Rising Authors
Min Jin Lee shares five authors who give her hope for the future of literature: Ashley Ford, Isaac Fitzgerald, Young-Sheng Ma, Patrick Catrell, Grace Lee Lee, and Jamel Brinkley. These authors bring diverse perspectives and compelling storytelling, offering unique insights into various social and personal experiences, making them essential voices in contemporary literature.
With her critically acclaimed and internationally successful 2017 novel Pachinko, Min Jin Lee – this week’s At Your Service guest – crafted a work of art about powerful subject matter like immigration (and anti-immigrant sentiment), a woman’s role in a man’s world, motherhood, brotherhood, faith, war, substance abuse, and so much more. Today, Dua and Min join forces to talk about what a novel-writing process entails, what it took to make Pachinko a reality, and the projects coming next for the beloved author.
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