52 pages • 1 hour read
David GutersonSnow Falling on Cedars
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1080LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Romance
Race / Racism
History: World
Identity: Race
Society: War
Values/Ideas: Equality