Describe Min Jin Lee's writing style and structure compared to one or more of the other novels we have read in this course. What is similar or different about this novel and what are your thoughts about it so far?
As I've been reading Min Jin Lee's Pachinko and comparing it to texts I've read during my time in cultures and ideas, I often think about the text Home Fire. This comparison comes from how the two texts weave timelines and political situations into the story.
In Pachinko, readers are introduced to subtle time changes. These time changes, as of now, are relatively short -- give or take a few years. This is seen as in the start of many of the chapters, readers are introduced with the year the portion of the story takes place in. For example the first chapter starts with Hoonie's character in 1910 following the start of Japanese rule in Korea. The following chapter on the other hand, takes place a few years ahead with Hoonie's death following Korea settling into Japanese rule. This reminds me of Home Fire, as readers notice minor time jumps between characters. For instance, Parvaiz's section in the story takes place before the other characters' actions in the story within the Middle East, whereas Aneeka's portion takes place in present day London. The two story's use time and place to influence the direction the story takes.
Another similarity between the two texts is how they weave political situations into the story's conflict. In Pachinko, readers are introduced to the Japanese colonial rule over Korea and how that impacts the Korean citizens. Readers view this perspective from a Korean named Sunja and are able to see a personal account of the events. On the other hand, in Home Fire readers are able to notice the political concerns regarding terrorism and domestic citizens. Readers are able to examine accounts of a citizen of London falling into terrorism, a politician attacking a group of people, and bystanders within the situation.
The two texts share many similarities in the broader scope of things, but add their own take on it to make the story their own. I look forward to reading how Pachinko will take its own direction.
I like how you examine Pachinko as the blend and mesh of perspectives of living in Korea under Japanese rule, and how that compares to Aneeka living in London.
ReplyDeleteI like the similarity of weaving in political situations into the stories.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about the different locations and how the character's typically have different perspectives from each place.
ReplyDeleteYour point about the political connections is so true! Both authors weave political context into the story, which I find helpful for sure.
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