Book Review: Snow Falling on Cedars
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson explores the situation of a man named Kabuo Miyamoto whom is on trial for murder of Carl Heine. As this is going on, another man named Ishmael Chambers is facing the challenges of overcoming his horrendous and shattering past. Kabuo Miyamoto was a Japanese American fisherman, who stands on trial for alleged murder; however, as this novel proceeds Miyamoto tends to feel responsible and capable of this scandal. On the day of the trial, December 6, 1954, Miyamoto emerges as dauntless and confident; therefore, he insinuates positivity throughout the courtroom. ”The accused man, Kabuo Miyamoto, sat proudly up-right with rigid grace” (Guterson 3).  The protagonist of the novel, Ishmael Chambers, sulks around San Piedro because of his ghastly experience with life. Chambers is haunted by the trauma of his involvement in World War 2 and by the rejection of local women, Hatsue Miyamoto. Throughout the novel, Chambers must make the decision of whether he should share the evidence he has gathered to exonerate Miyamoto.
Throughout the novel, there is a struggle between free will and chance. Many events from this novel occur because of uncontrollable and inhuman aspects of the crime. They arise quickly and mysteriously. Guterson used words like fate, accident, and happenstance to create the emotion of a cryptic ending.
The novel as a whole includes many features of drama and coming-of-age; therefore, it is appealing to students whom are my age. While reading this book, I appreciated how Guterson used clever symbols and an adept story line to enhance the affection you felt as you read it. Even though the book was published in 1994, it still stands as a compelling novel to read in 2014.
I would unquestionably recommend this novel because of its fascinating topic and its understandable conflict. The characters had authentic backgrounds which affected their present lives. The novel had a thrilling plot which increased the capability of others reading it. Again, I would absolutely recommend this novel because of the astonishing occurrences and relatable material.