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52 pages 1 hour read

David Guterson

Snow Falling on Cedars

David GutersonFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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David Guterson

Snow Falling on Cedars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

460

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Piedro Island • 1950s

Theme
Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1080L

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Super Short Summary

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson explores the murder trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese American accused of killing his white neighbor, Carl Heine, over a land dispute in the post-World War II era. The novel, set in the fictional town of Amity Harbor, navigates themes of racism, discrimination, and the complex interrelations among the protagonist, his wife, the deceased, and a journalist, all amidst lingering wartime animosities.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

193,296 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

David Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars is praised for its evocative depiction of a post-war Pacific Northwest community and its lyrical prose. The novel's intricate narrative intertwines a suspenseful courtroom drama with reflections on racism and love. Some critics, however, find the pacing slow and the frequent shifts in perspective occasionally disorienting.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Snow Falling on Cedars?

Readers who appreciate intricately woven narratives that explore themes of love, racism, and justice will enjoy Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Similar in tone to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Atonement by Ian McEwan, it appeals to those who favor atmospheric settings and moral complexity.

4.1

193,296 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

460

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Piedro Island • 1950s

Theme
Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1080L

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