Snow falling on Cedars was first published by David Guterson, in 1995.
Snow Falling on Cedars is set out in the 1950’s on San Peidro Island, Washington. It is started out as Carl Heine, a fisherman was mysteriously murdered and a Japanese man named Kabuo Miyamoto was being accused for it. Although a post-war was occurring between Japan and America, he was waiting to be put on trial so he can declare his innocence. The police questioned and looked at him as a culprit, for their fathers had a history with each other, over seven acres of land. Once the town’s newspaperman, Ishmael Chambers, had to get involved to publish the story, he had to face his childhood love for Kabuo’s wife, Hastue. David Gutersons novel expresses a mix of suspense and heartfelt emotions that will leave you shaken.
While reading this mystery novel, I’ve been able to relate to the confused Japanese girl, Hastue. The reason why is because she had to decide which of the two men that she wanted to be with. It was very difficult for her since she had feelings for both but was stuck between them. Which is when I was in the situation of choosing the friends that I wanted to hang out with. During the occurrence, Hastue felt straint and restricted to release her emotions from her heart, which is what her mother had taught her to do. In all, it has not only brought more attention to me but I also got closer to the book, as well.
When I was finally accomplished with the book, I found it interesting and excitable, that I would read a second time if I had to. Therefore, I would recommend this book to any of my friends, who also enjoy reading mystery novels. I especially found it different that Guterson developed the main characters emotions and thoughts about every act that they do. But he even made sure that the reader knew the past relationship that the characters had. After getting into more depth with my AP book, I like how David Guterson leaves his readers hanging on what will happen next.
The theme of Snow Falling on Cedars has represented prejudice, as it was ‘Illegal to let any Japanese citizen own any American estate’. Even while the Japanese were living in the United States, they would get disrespected and judged for their race. That is why they are not allowed to own any land and business. As years went by, the war was beginning between Japan and America , so they immediately shipped off every Japanese race because they were afraid there are certain spies for their country. In other words, the Americans did not focus on the Japanese for safety. Even to this day, Japanese people are really getting treated differently as Americans.