I had to read this book during my Christmas holidays for the next year, and, as a result I thought I'd end up hating it. Also, the blurb makes it sound like a simple murder mystery.
Which it is, in a way. But it is also so much more.
It's a character driven piece, and the fact that a murder has taken place kind of fades into the background as Guterson shows you his deep, believable characters in beautiful, descriptive prose.

Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese-American, is accused of the murder of fisherman Carl Heine, who was found dead in his net.
What follows is an in-depth look at the prejudices spawned from WWII, and the way in which people act because of these prejudices.

Making you think a bit, and drawing you into an entirely new world.

Just how deep and well-thought out his characters were. Also, how he keeps you guessing throughtout the novel.

The ending. It kind of disappointed me, because it was what I expected straight off the mark, and then I thought/hoped he might have changed it.

Read it again.

A bit sad and apathetic in places. It's not a happy book really.

Is David Guterson. This was his first book, and the only one of his I've read.

The world it's talking about is so rich and detailed, it truly feels like you're there.

If you prefer books with lots of action and a fast-paced plot, this book won't appeal to you.

I really liked this book, and am glad I'm going to get the chance to study it further.

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Created Dec 30, 2007 at 11:22pm • Submit your own review...