I first read this in my high school AP English class and was glad to revisit it, now 13 years later, with a more mature perspective. Even though this book is fiction, it does a great job capturing the emotions and sensibilities of white and Japanese-Americans in small-town America in the 1940s and 1950s. In many ways, Ishmael is a sympathetic character, but he is also swallowed by his grief and resentment, and plagued by so many what-ifs, that he is also deeply unlikeable. Whether or not he is redeemed by the end of the novel is debatable. An even more compelling topic for discussion would be whether the question of Ishmael's redemption overshadows the harm his actions and the actions of other white characters have perpetrated. As a student in a small town first reading this novel, I often wondered what mistakes my own police department would make in high profile murder investigation. The themes of this novel are universal and would be compelling for an advanced high school audience. ( )

I read this years ago and remember being captivated by it. Upon rereading, I was surprised by how much of the story I'd forgotten....but I remained captivated. What great writing!

This is a fascinating story about Japanese Americans during and following WWII. It focuses on the love between young people of different races, and later on a murder trial where the accused is Japanese and the victim white. We see how prejudice manifest on a personal level, and those effects. Recommended. ( )

Really enjoyed this book. Managed to successfully blend elements of romance, courtroom drama and coming of age into a thouroughly satisfying mixture. Elements reminded me of mockingbird, and I thought that the author did a good job of capturing some of the complexity of racism . Will definitely try to leRn more about internment ( )

This is a carefully told tale of prejudice and racism and circumstantial evidence leading to a murder trial in a small fishing and farming community. It takes in a lot of detail about the Japanese internment camps during WWII, generational agreements and disagreements, and historic relationships. Its really well told, though a little slow in places as it gradually unfolds. I don't feel like the women are written especially well but overall I think its really atmospheric. The weather becomes a character in its own right as a snow storm comes in to disrupt the trial. ( )

I can see why some people would dislike it. It did get slow in parts. I had a difficult time getting through the internment camp section, but I loved the story and the writing. I've read it twice. It suited me. ( )