Greetings. I hope everyone is well. I meant to post sooner, but we’ve been on the road. My husband is taking his first work break since February and we are spending my bday week in British Columbia, along Kootenay Lake just east of the small city of Nelson, which is about 3.5 hours north of Spokane, Washington. It’s been smoky from the wildfires in the Northwest for a few days but now it’s starting to look better and we can breathe a bit once again. It’s a lovely area — woodsy and scenic around the big lake — and we’ve been bike riding and taking some walks. There’s two bald eagles near a huge nest just down the road and we are spying on them.
Not much else but we are staying a bit away from the news while here and after hearing of Justice Ginsburg’s sad passing. I can only imagine what that will lead to before the election. Meanwhile in book news: political readers should gear up for President Obama’s 700+ page book “A Promised Land” coming out Nov. 17. If you thought Michelle Obama’s memoir was excellent and quite a bookselling event, then perhaps you can imagine that her husband’s book will likely be similar. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a signed copy? What about you — do you plan to read it? And now I’ll leave you with a couple of reviews of what I finished lately.
Pachinko by Min Jee Lee / Grand Central / 480 pages / 2017
Oh “Pachinko” I finally got to you. I knew I would. I was saving the long family Korean/Japanese saga for a time when I could really sink into it, which in the end was during a 14-day quarantine back in August when I innocently started it … and then weeks later hesitantly turned the last page in September. Though long, I found the novel’s writing style and chronology straight-forward and quite readable.
Many know: it follows the story of various family members of a Korean family starting during Japan’s occupation of Korea in 1910. One of the main characters teenaged Sunja — whose parents own a boarding house — gets pregnant out of wedlock to a rich fish broker and her reputation is saved when a young pastor (Isak) agrees to marry her and to move them in 1933 to Osaka, Japan, where he has a job lined up and they will live with his brother Yoseb and his sister-in-law Kyunghee in their shack in an area where other impoverished Koreans live.
From there Sunja has her son Noa, and later she and Isak have a second son Mozasu, before Isak is imprisoned during WWII for his Christianity, and Sunja and her sister-in-law seek to sell kimchi to keep the family afloat. And so begins the story of their lives and travails as Koreans in Japan through WWII and the Korean War right through to the 1980s when Mozasu’s son Solomon decides after an incident to forgo his western career path and join his father’s pachinko business — a slot-machine type of game.
“Pachinko” was much ballyooed when it came out — and was named one of the best novels of 2017 (it barely lost out to Jesym Ward’s novel “Sing, Unburied, Sing” for the National Book Award), and I was not disappointed. Just the historical research alone for the novel — and the situations each of the the family members face as their lives, work, spouses unfold — bowled me over. The ideas for the novel apparently took root over 30 years … and the author rewrote many drafts while living during years in New York and Tokyo, where she interviewed Koreans who had lived in Japan for many decades.
My main take-away from it was how poorly Koreans were treated in Japan … and the discrimination they faced over the past century there … and how immigrants with dual nationalities — like the Korean Japanese — felt torn between the two and out of place and not accepted in either country. And yet Japan occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945 and brought Koreans to their shores. The whole pachinko metaphor — how Koreans were kept to inferior menial jobs like running these slot-machine type parlors — works for the entire novel. The family members keep getting pulled back to the business of pachinko as one of the few job venues open to them.
Many themes run through the novel: such as identity and worth, family, and being an immigrant …. and the back-breaking work the family members (especially the women) endure, and the historical events of war and change and how Korea becomes divided and there’s no where to return. I found the whole story — which pulled me into each family members’ life — very readable and eye-opening and heartbreaking too. There’s struggles, tragedies, and twists along the way — Noa’s biological father continues to stir the pot in ways that are at times helpful yet also detrimental to the family.
The author is said to be interested in writing about Korean diaspora, and her first three novels (Pachinko being her second) focus on that, so there is another (third) novel in the works (yay). I’d like to go back now and read her first novel from 2007 “Free Food for Millionaires” — about a Korean-American in Manhattan. Have you read it? And if you’re wondering … “Pachinko” is being made into a TV series on Apple, release date so far is unknown, hmm stay posted.
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich / Harper / 464 pages / 2020
After all these years of Louise Erdrich’s books … this is my first of hers and I can say I enjoyed spending time with it. I listened to the audiobook read by the author herself … and I’m sure no one could have read it better than her — she infused it with all she knew about these Chippewa characters, giving it all the emotions (both hard and light) of their everyday lives.
It’s a story set in 1953 that has two main protagonists and storylines — starting with Thomas who’s a night watchman at a jewel bearing plant and his niece Patrice (or Pixie) who also works at the plant near their native reservation in North Dakota. Thomas is a council member of the Chippewa tribe and is trying to organize to stop a U.S. congressional bill that would terminate the rights of Native Americans to their land and to treaties signed long ago. And Patrice, valedictorian of her high school class whose family is challenged by an alcoholic father, is soon on a mission to find her sister Vera who has gone missing in Minneapolis. Along the way, she becomes enamored with a young Chippewa boxer named Wood Mountain.
In addition to the two main protagonists (Thomas and Patrice) … there’s many other characters attached to them who are apart of the story: like Patrice’s tragic sister Vera, and Patrice’s friend at the jewel plant Valentine, also Wood Mountain and his coach Stack Barnes who likes Patrice, and Wood Mountain’s mother Juggie Blue, as well as grad student Millie Cloud who comes to help Thomas in his efforts to testify in Washington.
It’s a story that gives a bit of a panorama feel for these Chippewa characters and their lives on the reservation and historical events that shaped them during the early 1950s. Thomas is inspired by the author’s own grandfather back then … and I was taken with Patrice as she comes of age and is trying to navigate hard realities with her dangerous alcoholic father and tragic missing sister. She has a mother that is smart and good … and a would-be boxing beau that seems kind.
The chapters as it goes on jump around a bit among the characters and some are long and others are short. You can’t be in a hurry I learned with Erdrich, you must let her imagery and storytelling work their magic. Perhaps it might not be for everyone, but I enjoyed her renderings of life among the Chippewas … and of what happens to Patrice and her missing sister and to the group that goes to Washington to testify against the U.S. bill and senator set on terminating them.
I’m not sure why I never picked up an Erdrich novel before: perhaps I was intimidated in some way by life on the reservation, but her story and characters drew me in early on and her writing about their lives was both earthy and lyrical, she gives much humanity and hope to them despite at times bleak and harsh circumstances. What is your favorite book of hers?
ps. I didn’t realize Louise Erdrich (like Ann Patchett) owns a bookstore — Birchbark Books, which is a small indie bookstore in Minneapolis that focuses on Native American literature and the Native community in the Twin Cities. That’s another plus for her.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these books or authors — and if so, what did you think?
Happy Birthday, Susan! I’m glad you’ve managed to escape to such a picturesque and peaceful spot.
Hooray for Pachinko. It was my favorite the year I read it… went on to read Free Food for Millionaires shortly afterwards. A very different novel – more contemporary and smaller in scope, but so enjoyable. I can’t wait for her third novel.
I feel like I *should* be reading more Louise Erdrich. Despite enjoying her short stories and collecting her novels, I’ve only managed to read one or two. Liked them well enough, but am never in a hurry to pick up the others.
Guess I’d better get going on Michelle’s book (probably on audio)… don’t want to get behind on books by the Obamas!
Enjoy the rest of your time away.
Hey JoAnn: great to hear from you! Thanks for the bday wishes. I’m glad you were a Pachinko fan too … I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads. I’m glad to have read one Erdrich novel … though I wouldn’t mind sometime reading a couple more. President Obama’s long book might put a wrench into my fall reading plans, ha — I didn’t exactly realize it was coming out this year. Uh-oh. take care.
You mention some really good sounding books.
I had already heard good things about Pachinko. It is something that I would like to read. I had heard that Koreans faced terrible discrimination in Japan.
Thanks Brian. I think you would like Pachinko … and the narration is a bit like 19th century novels … which the author admires. It’s an eye-opening saga too. Enjoy your week.
Hi Susan,
Happy Birthday!
There is a cozy mystery series set near Nelson, BC, if you are ever in need of a delightful, light read during heavy times….Iona Whishaw’s Lane Winslow series, starting with A Killer in King’s Cove.
I’ve been meaning to read Pachinko for a long time and I’m glad to get your take on it.
Thanks!
Jillann
Hey Jillann! thanks for writing. I’ll definitely check out the mystery series out of Nelson, BC. We are loving being here at a waterfront cottage … and it reminds us slightly of Howe Island … fun. Hope you are all well there and I’m assuming the library work has started up again. It’s very hands off in Calgary! Can’t touch anything … while getting a book there – but safe.
It took me forever to finally pick up Pachinko from my bookshelves … but it flowed along once I did. Let me know if you come across any 5 star reads — you think I should get to. thanks!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed both of the books you reviewed. Louise Erdrich is one of my favorite writers, but I would be hard-pressed to name my favorite book of hers. Generally, my favorite is the last one I’ve read and that would be The Night Watchman.
The lake area looks absolutely beautiful. It’s good to hear that the smoke is clearing out a bit. Enjoy your stay there and give my greetings to the eagles!
Thanks Dorothy. Watching the eagles is spectacular … their huge nest appears empty but they are hanging out nearby. We will try to see them each day this week. As for Erdrich’s book, I think it was your review & Judy’s review of The Night Watchman that got me to pick it up, so thank you. I’m glad I did. I was impressed by her writing & storytelling … and I’m sure I will read more of her books in the future.
Susan, I loved Pachinko and I started: The Night Watchman on audio (of my the author’s voice is pitch perfect). Unfortunately, I had to return this one before finishing so I will get it again in the future.
Peaceful getaway spot!
Thanks Diane. I’m glad you liked Pachinko too. I thought it was a 5 star read. And I too thought the author did a good job of reading The Night Watchman. It’s hard when audio downloads are returned before finishing! I’ve had that happen, argh. Enjoy your week.
I love that place where you are vacationing. It looks soothing and restful. Bike riding and bald eagles? Wonderful. We’ve always talked about visiting British Columbia. Perhaps one of these days. When Americans are allowed to visit Canada again.
I enjoyed Pachinko very much. The story was completely new to me. I knew little about conflicts between the people of Korea and the people of Japan.
Hi Deb, I too didn’t know much about the relations between Koreans & Japanese, or what their countries did or how they related etc. So it was pretty eye-opening.
The place we are staying at … is a good escape for us … and we are staying away from the mayhem news of the world. feels nice!
Happy BDay, Susan! The lake area looks gorgeous. I’ve had my eye on Pachinko for awhile. This year would have been a good one to read it because the first part of the year I spent it mostly in South East Asia (reading-wise, 🙂 ) and have read several door stoppers this year too. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for a balanced review.
Hey Carmen, thanks! Great to hear from you — how are you? I feel I haven’t talked to you in awhile. Hope everything there is okay.
It’s funny you should mention SE Asia reading … as I feel I could go thru an Asian reading bubble … I’m going to get the Stephanie Scott novel from the library called What Left of Me Is Yours which also has a Japanese bent to it. What other books would you recommend from there? hmm. So many.
I had been thinking about Pachinko for so long … so glad to finally get thru it. The history of it was pretty captivating. Enjoy your fall & take care!
Hi Susan. Yes, it’s been awhile. Everything here is OK, though Covid cases have started to spike again in our state. My mother is back to work but with colleges switching to online learning… I read three novels this year based in Asia, two of them in Vietnam, one during French colonialism (A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe), one covers half a century of Vietnam history (The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai), and the other based in China starting in WWII (A Single Swallow by Zhang Ling). Of the three, I recommend the last one best; I did like it a great deal, and I think it suits your reading taste best as well.
Glad you are both Okay Carmen. They say this fall/winter will likely get bad again. Stay safe! And thanks for the titles set in Asia. I’ve heard of the first two you mention, but don’t know the third one — though it seems like you liked that novel the best … so I’ve put it on Hold for when it comes in at the library (it’s on order). It looks good!! perfect thanks.
Happy Birthday week! Your trip sounds glorious. We celebrated our 40th anniversary on Sunday though we stayed home. It is still smoky here at night and in the early morning, so still sleeping with the windows closed. But the sky is blue again.
I am so glad you enjoyed both books. You know I did. I have liked every book I have read by Erdrich. I hope to get to some of the ones I have missed soon. I picked up Free Food For Millionaires when it first came out, from the library while I was visiting my mom, may she rest in peace. It was my first book featuring Korean immigrants and I loved it, though it was much shorter and a bit lighter than Pachinko. I think you would like it.
Thanks Judy: the bday week continues on! Hope you get rain or cooler temps to get rid of the smoke. My smoke app tells me we are back into the green good air level for now. Feels good to breathe easier. It’s getting cooler here: 50s/60s.
& thanks for the word about Min Jin Lee’s debut novel — I’d like to get to that. I was really impressed by Pachinko … and I’m very curious about her book #3. Hopefully it won’t take 30 years, ha. Also Erdrich did her audiobook justice: lovely narration. Enjoy your books!
That area you are visiting is lovely. I am so craving the outdoors but now that we have blue skies we also have a horrible mosquito problem. Not typical for where I live. I had an allergic reaction and my entire family is covered just from short walks. I need to get out so badly though.
I enjoyed Pachinko when my book club read it but my enjoyment was also due to our club host making us a traditional meal from the book as well as offering the alcoholic beverage from the book at well. That beverage. Oh! It was strong, like sake but sooooo good.
Enjoy your trip. I shall sit here “working” hoping the day passes quickly so I can go back to reading. I’ve been too distracted the past three days and now I am a bit behind.
Thanks Ti, the trip here is going well — and it’s been great to get away. It’s quite a refresher from the world nowadays. & That’s neat : you had a meal & beverage from the book Pachinko … was it kimchi? I don’t know much about Korean food, do you? I don’t think I’ve tried sake but I’ve had some Asian beer.
The good thing is: though we are near a lot of woods & water here — we haven’t had mosquitoes on this trip …. such a plus! I hope yours there go away soon. Have a good week.
What a wonderful area for a vacation! My husband was supposed to go on a golf trip up there in late August, but he’s hoping it might get to occur next year. Enjoy your trip! I love the mountains, any mountains. LOL
Thanks Kay, the trip here has been fun. Does your husband come golfing to British Columbia? That’s great … though this year the border has been closed. Too bad. I hope it will reopen in 2021. We’ve been having a lovely time. The mountains & lake and scenery around here are gorgeous! We might have to return next year too. Enjoy your week.
Great review of both books, but I was particularly drawn to what you wrote about Pachinko since I really enjoyed reading it. I love a good family saga. Happy Birthday! It sounds like you’re having a wonderful time relaxing and getting away from it all. That sounds like bliss right now.
Thanks Helen. Yeah it’s been great to get away. It’s definitely what we needed. And I’m glad I finally got around to reading Pachinko … it’s an important book as well as just a good family saga. Hope all is well with you. Enjoy your books.
Happy birthday! That looks like a relaxing place to spend a birthday. I meant to pick up Pachinko back when everybody was talking about it, but that never happened. There are so many books and so little time!
I agree AJ. A lot of books. I’m trying to get around to books that have been sitting on my shelves for way too long. We’ll see how that goes. Pachinko was a good one … and it wasn’t a hard read either. We still have a few more days out in the boondocks on our trip. Happy September.
Your birthday getaway sounds wonderful! I would love to be near a lake right now. We are getting showers with a gale warning, so I’m keeping an eye on the trees around our house. Again. Sigh.
I loved Michelle Obama’s book and am interested in Barack’s, but I think I’d opt for the audio since it’s quite a chunkster. I can’t hold a 768 page book up in bed and I’m still not a fan of ebooks.
I read Pachinko (reviewed on my blog here) with my book group last summer and I thought it was good, but I didn’t love it.
It’s been years since I read Erdrich’s Love Medicine and I don’t remember anything about it, but I have a couple of her more recent books on my shelf. They aren’t calling out to me, but I’m sure I’ll get to them some day.
Happy Birthday and safe travels!
Thanks Lesley. I saw that it was raining around Oregon today … so I hope that means most or all of the fires are out? Beware of the winds, argh not good. We are getting rain now too in B.C. Both of these authors were new to me … I’ll check out your review of Pachinko (thx for the link). It took me awhile to get thru Pachinko. Barack’s book should be a large door stopper too … so I’ll have to get ready for it. I agree that the print version is likely the best option there, I like to put sticky notes on parts I want to harken back to. I should put it on order now. I too liked Michelle’s book a lot. Stay well there.
Happy birthday! What a beautiful place to spend it! Glad you were able to get out and get into nature. So important these days.
I’ve got Pachinko on my kindle and I even started it one time but I realized I wasn’t quite ready for such a long sweeping novel. But I’ve heard nothing but great reviews so I need to get back to it.
I’ve read a couple of the Erdrich’s kids books with my son. I’ve been meaning to read her adult works as well. I hope you enjoy your week! Stay safe out there!
Thanks Heather. The nature here is really wonderful. We had a good bike ride over a mountain and back and have been exploring different areas each day. This weekend we have to go home … but it’s been a nice getaway. I hope your temps are dipping there & the smoke has gone away. Enjoy your week.
I’ve read a short story by Louise Erdrich a long time ago and her longer books have been on my wishlist since then. I love the story so I’m not sure why I haven’t tried to read her other books yet – likely because I liked the story a lot and don’t want to change how I feel. But it’s been a long time now.
I do want to read Pachinko but I may wait a bit. I’ve read so much about human suffering this year, which is fitting, because it helps keep the pandemic in perspective, but Pachinko may just have to wait a little bit longer.
LOVE where you are on vacation! I am itching to go somewhere but don’t want to simply stay in nor do I want to be in a crowded place. Since that is mostly mutually exclusive, I’ll just keep pining instead.
Hi Athira – yeah we were sort of in the boondocks so we didn’t run into many people on our getaway. A couple nights we went into “town” and had a meal on an outside patio. Only a few cases there so all went well.
I found Erdrich to be a good storyteller and I thought Pachinko was an easier read than I was expecting. The pages went by easily. Hope you are all well there.
Your photos are beautiful and it looks like such a pleasant place to visit. Happy birthday and thanks for the review of the book. Sounds very interesting and worth the read.
Thanks Judee: good to hear from you. We had a really nice getaway time. Now we are back to reality but it was a good scenic trip that will stay with us for quite a while. Hope you are well. Enjoy your week.
Your vacation pictures are marvelous – just the type of place I love to visit.
I have got to prioritize Pachinko – heard so many good things about it, and I know so little about that part of the world, history, social dynamics, etc.
Thanks Jane — the trip away was great in various ways. And I think it was your long book challenge on your site that finally got me to pick up the novel Pachinko … so thank you for the push. It was worth the long length! Not all are …. but this one really stayed moving. I try to pick one long novel each summer — so it worked …. hope you enjoyed your long reads.