Snow Falling on Cedars: Summary

Snow Falling on Cedars is a novel by David Guterson that tells the story of Ishmael Chambers, a newspaper editor in San Piedro Island, Washington. It is set during World War II and focuses on themes of racism, prejudice, justice, loyalty and love. Ishmael is in love with Hatsue Miyamoto, the daughter of a Japanese-American fisherman. When her husband is accused of killing a white man, Ishmael struggles to reconcile his feelings of loyalty to his friend with his feelings for Hatsue. The novel explores the consequences of racial prejudice and injustice as well as questions of identity and belonging.

1. How does the setting of San Piedro Island affect the story?
2. What is the significance of Ishmael's relationship with Hatsue?
3. What themes and symbols are represented in the novel?
4. How does Kabuo Miyamoto's Japanese heritage influence his character development?
5. What role does the media play in the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto?
6. How is justice portrayed in Snow Falling on Cedars?
7. Discuss how racism affects all characters in the story.
8. What is meant by the title Snow Falling on Cedars?
9. What lessons can be learned from Ishmael and Kabuo’s stories about prejudice and injustice?
10. How does David Guterson use subtle details to create an atmosphere of suspense?

• The complexity of the characters' relationships was captivating and thought-provoking.
• David Guterson's use of detailed imagery to build tension throughout the novel was masterful.
• Snow Falling on Cedars brings to light how societal pressures can shape a person's identity and decisions.
• The story is an emotionally charged exploration of justice, prejudice, and morality.
• Each character's journey through the journey was rich and relatable.
• Guterson does a great job of weaving together multiple threads of plot in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end.
• The theme of guilt and innocence is explored in a meaningful way that leaves readers questioning their own beliefs.
• I found myself deeply invested in each character and their individual struggles throughout the novel.
• It's remarkable how Guterson manages to capture such beauty even when exploring dark topics like war and racism.
• Snow Falling on Cedars serves as an important reminder of the fragility and resilience of human life in times of hardship and despair.

1. "The heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good."
2. "Love is a wound no one can heal."
3. "If you love someone, you'll be loyal to them forever."
4. "The truth has a way of changing with the telling."
5. "Life is as thin as paper, and death is written all over it."

1. Snow Falling on Cedars (1999): This film adaptation of David Guterson's novel stars Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh, Max von Sydow, and James Cromwell. It was directed by Scott Hicks and released in 1999. 2. Snow Falling on Cedars Radio Play (2006): In 2006, BBC Radio 4 produced a three-part adaptation of the novel written by playwright Bryony Lavery and directed by Sara Davies. 3. The Snow Falling on Cedars Podcast (2018): The podcast is an eight-episode dramatization of the novel, featuring original music and sound design. It was written and produced by Paul Drury and released in 2018. 4. Snow Falling on Cedars: A Stage Adaptation (2019): This stage adaptation of the novel was directed by Alison Hart and produced by San Francisco's Crowded Fire Theater in 2019.

• The Other
• East of the Mountains
• Our Lady of the Forest
• Ed King
• The Country Ahead of Us, The Country Behind
• Distant Seasons
• The Son
• The Long Walk Home