Play Book Tag discussion

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson - 5 stars - My Review

Published in 1994, and set in 1954, Snow Falling on Cedars is an atmospheric novel with a strong sense of place. It is set on San Piedro, a fictional island off the coast of the state of Washington. As the story opens, Kabuo Miyamoto is on trial for the murder of Carl Heine, a fellow fisherman. Miyamoto is alleged to have resorted to murder in order to settle a land dispute that dates back to WWII when the Miyamotos were forced to relocate to an internment camp. Ishmael Chambers, owner of the local newspaper, is covering the trial. He is the childhood sweetheart of Miyamoto’s wife, Hatsue, and has remained obsessed with her. The story gradually reveals the backstories of the characters, in non-linear segments, including many violent and traumatic episodes experienced during WWII, which have had a lasting psychological impact.

It is an interesting blend of mystery, courtroom drama, history, and first love. Rather than focus on a blow-by-blow question and answer of witnesses during the trial, the author artfully employs narrative sequences and flashbacks to provide the essence of the testimony without overburdening the reader with detailed courtroom procedures. Themes include racism, justice, obsession, and the emotional trauma of war. It explores the difficulties several characters experience in moving on from the past to be able to more fully live in the present. The presence of a winter storm sheds light on the role of unpredictability of life:

“Those who had lived on the island a long time knew that the storm's outcome was beyond their control. This storm might well be like others past that had caused them to suffer, had killed even—or perhaps it might dwindle beneath tonight's stars and give their children snowbound happiness. Who knew? Who could predict? If disaster, so be it, they said to themselves. There was nothing to be done except what could be done. The rest—like the salt water around them, which swallowed the snow without any effort, remaining what it was implacably—was out of their hands, beyond.”

This novel is beautifully written in a traditional style with a strong storyline, vivid setting, and deeply drawn characters. It is engrossing, creative, and engenders an emotional response. It meets all my criteria for an exceptional reading experience. I loved it and have added it to my list of favorites.

I read this before I began to keep track of my reading and writing down my impressions. I think we experienced it in much the same way. You make me want to read it again.

Great review.

This is an excellent novel--so glad you liked it!!!

Jgrace wrote: "I read this before I began to keep track of my reading and writing down my impressions. I think we experienced it in much the same way. You make me want to read it again."
Glad you enjoyed it too, Jgrace!

David wrote: "Great review."
Thanks, David!

Karin wrote: "This is an excellent novel--so glad you liked it!!!"
It was quite wonderful. It is my first book by Guterson and I will be checking out his back catalogue.

Joy D wrote: "Karin wrote: "This is an excellent novel--so glad you liked it!!!"
It was quite wonderful. It is my first book by Guterson and I will be checking out his back catalogue."

Let me know if any others are as good. I know that my mother found the one that was right before or right after this disappointing so I didn't read it. The movie of this is excellent and does justice to the book, but of course has to leave quite a bit out.

Karin wrote: "Let me know if any others are as good. I know that my mother found the one that was right before or right after this disappointing so I didn't read it. The movie of this is excellent and does justice to the book, but of course has to leave quite a bit out."

I sure will. One sounds a bit too depressing for me (East of the Mountains) but there are others. I'm still pondering. I have not seen the movie (I'm not much of a movie person) but I may try to locate this one since I liked to book so much.