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
Hatsue Miyamoto
Hatsue Miyamoto
Kabuo's wife, known for her loyalty to her family and her quiet strength. She is determined to uphold her family's values and is unwavering in her support for Kabuo during his trial.
Ishmael Chambers
Ishmael Chambers
A local reporter covering Kabuo's trial who grapples with his past relationship with Hatsue and his sense of purpose. He is the son of the town's newspaper founder and is dealing with his own personal struggles after the war.
Carl Heine
Carl Heine
A lifelong resident of Amity Harbor and a significant figure in the community as a fisherman. Though deceased during the events of the novel, his past interactions and decisions impact the trial and community dynamics.
460
Novel • Fiction
San Piedro Island • 1950s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1080L
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