‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ Author To Visit Whitman

David Guterson—best known for his debut novel, “Snow Falling on Cedars” (Vintage Contemporaries, 1995)—will appear at Whitman College on Friday, Jan. 30, to discuss and read from his newest novel, “Evelyn in Transit” (W. W. Norton & Company, 2026). The reading will be held in Olin Auditorium at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Guterson also writes poetry, short stories, and nonfiction essays and has published a total of 13 books. He currently lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with his family.

Guterson’s debut novel, “Snow Falling on Cedars,” won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 1995 and has sold almost 4 million copies to date. It was adapted into an award-winning film in 1999.

“Evelyn in Transit” is a novel about a mother’s journey across the American Midwest, interspersed with scenes of the daily life of Tsering, a Tibetan monk. When three Buddhist lamas show up at Evelyn’s door to tell her that her young son is the seventh reincarnation of the recently deceased Norbu Rinpoche, Evelyn must face questions of faith, purpose and family. In careful, precise prose, Guterson explores what it means to live a good life.

At the event, Guterson will read from his work and answer questions. Community members, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.