Pachinko

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Book: Pachinko

Author: Min Jin Lee

Genre: Historical fiction

Language: English

Slowly but steadily I acquired a taste for historical fictions. Until Pachinko happened I knew nothing about Japan-occupied Korea.

The story follows life of Sunja who becomes pregnant at 17 by an older married man with Japanese wife and three children. A young priest Isak falls sick on the way to Japan while staying at an inn run by Sunja's mother. Mother-daughter duo nurse him back to health. Hearing about Sunja's situation, Isak promises to marry her and takes her to Japan with an assurance of good life. But he is soon arrested by Japan law enforcement for practicing his faith in Japan as a Korean.  Sunja and her sister-in-law take charge of the situation to run the household. However, destiny had different plans for them.

This multi-generational book spans between 1910 to 1989. It deals with imperial Japan's colonization of Korea, discrimination, racism, horrors of World War II, traditions, family dynamics and above all perseverance to move on with life despite all the hardship they have to go through.

And Pachinko is a Japanese gambling game played on a vertical pinball like machine. To see the reference one must read the book.

A wonderful read of the year.

A Gentleman in Moscow

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Book: A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towels

Genre: Historic Fiction

Language: English

“If patience wasn’t so easily tested, then it would hardly be a virtue.”

In the beginning of the year I made a conscious choice to pick books set in different parts of the world. There is a famous saying in Kannada 'Desha Nodu Kosha Odu' (Travel the world-read books). Since traveling is restricted I metaphorically transport to these countries to hear about the stories. I've even zeroed down on where to stay when in Moscow. It maybe entirely different establishment now, but since it is still functional why not get a sneak-peak into Count Alexander Rostov's life.

In 1922, count Alexander Rostov was sentenced for life on house arrest at the Metropol Hotel,  Theater Square, Moscow because of his alleged anti-revolutionary beliefs.  Now he is not allowed to stay in his unusual luxurious suite,  but in a small attic room. Not the one to mop around Rostov accepts the situation he is in. He is charming, witty, kind, intelligent, more over a gentleman through and through.

Spanning over 30 years this historic fiction gives insight into the Russia's tumultuous past of Bolsheviks time. Initially it takes time to get used to the narration. Once established it is a thought provoking read.  

Aarya 2

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TV Series: Aarya 2

Language: Hindi

Cast: Sushmitha Sen, Sikander Kher, Ankur Bhatia, Maya Sarao

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Drama

Streaming: Disney Hotstar

Having loved Aarya season 1 we were excited when season 2 aired on Hotstar. Ah! The disappointment.

Aarya is back from overseas with children under witness protection. She changes her mind about convicting her father and brother. Now, she has to face the wrath of both law establishment and Udayveer Shekhavat. Her youngest son is undergoing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder, teenage daughter is suicidal, and eldest son is overburdened with responsibilities. There was an attempt on her life when staying in safe house. She is not sure of the enemies. She is trying very hard to sell the pharmaceutical company with brother Sangram. He goes missing, only to be found dead later. His lover Hina blames Aarya for the death and abandons her newborn son. And Russian drug dealers does not stay behind either. With no other option but to pull out her claws and stay atop of matters for the safety of her family.

Episodes are slow and situational scenes are repetitive of season 1 except for the last episode. Then it was too late to call it a good show.