Snow Falling on Cedars

by David Guterson

It’s about a trial, and about prejudice against Asian-Americans, in a small town in Washington State – a particular time and place. Again, there’s a surprise at the end. It’s just a superb novel – full of really beautiful characterisations. Guterson grew up in that milieu – his father was a lawyer so he knows whereof he speaks. The sense of what goes on in the courtroom is extremely realistic – it’s very good on the law, but it’s very good at recognising the larger political and emotional context in which any important trial necessarily sets itself.