This book broke my heart. I think it is the first time in my memory that I felt the world stop around me when I read a line, and couldn't stop reading the same one over and over while trying to process what just happened. 
 Pachinko gripped me from the beginning; despite the length, the pacing never falters and the switching of perspectives never feels forced. There's also not a 'weak' character for me - I was worried that with the extended perspective cast that it would lose some of its quality, but each person brought a refreshing, interesting insight into events. I feel I learned much more than I expected to about 1900's Japan as well. It has inspired me to look further into this era of history. 
 Honestly, I am left speechless about this novel simply because it felt like a true journey, and it isn't often a book can convey that. I could not stop reading and the characters have refused to leave my head ever since... 
 A beautiful, epic story. I highly recommend it.