Final Take-aways from Pachinko

 One of the most important lessons I took away from Pachinko is the idea that identity is complex and multifaceted. The characters in the novel are constantly grappling with questions of who they are, where they come from, and where they belong. I was struck by how difficult it can be to reconcile different parts of oneself, especially when society at large is working to keep you down. In particular I saw this manifested in the characters of Noa and Mozasu. Both of these boys reacted completely differently to their Korean identity. While Noa tried to ignore it and act like he was Japanese, Mozasu embraced it. On the one hand their lives seemed very different due to these choices, but funny enough they both ended up working in Pachinko parlors. The only difference really being their level of happiness. Noa’s constant struggle with his identity caused him much pain and eventually caused him to take his own life. This ending for Noa seems to be telling us to embrace our identities as shying away from them only causes pain. Another important theme in Pachinko is the idea of resilience. The characters in this book face countless challenges and obstacles, from discrimination and racism to poverty and loss. Yet, they never give up. They keep pushing forward, even when it seems like everything is stacked against them. This resilience is inspiring, and a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength to overcome. Overall, Pachinko is a beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and identity.