The Book Review The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century: 'Pachinko' (Rerun)
Aug 15, 2025
Min Jin Lee, the celebrated author of 'Pachinko' and 'Free Food for Millionaires,' sheds light on the intricacies of identity and history in her compelling novel about Koreans in Japan. She candidly discusses her journey from drafting the book in 1989 to its recognition and the essential balance between art and commerce in writing. Lee passionately praises George Eliot's 'Middlemarch' as a timeless classic, reflecting on its deep insights into human nature and society. Tune in for a rich conversation about literature's profound impact on our lives.
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Origin Story And Early Drafts
- Min Jin Lee first learned about Koreans in Japan at 19 and began working on Pachinko years later in 1996.
- Early drafts were discarded and she rewrote the novel after living in Japan and meeting first-generation Koreans there.
Slow-Build Success
- Pachinko launched slowly: early reviews were scarce and sales didn't pick up immediately after publication.
- The book gained momentum months later via awards, lists, and word-of-mouth that increased readership over years.
Account For Marketing Barriers
- Think about marketing barriers like author name recognition and unfamiliar subjects when publishing.
- Adjust covers and outreach to lower barriers for new readers and invite discovery.
