52 pages • 1 hour read
Snow Falling on Cedars
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Book Brief
460
Novel • Fiction
San Piedro Island • 1950s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1080L
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
193,296 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
193,296 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
460
Novel • Fiction
San Piedro Island • 1950s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1080L
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