Snow Falling on Cedars

I'm reading this book at the moment as I'm teaching it to my year 12 class this year for the first time. Well, actually, I would be teaching it this year except that I'' be going on maternity leave after about 2 weeks of the unit. Anyway, I'm finding it hard to get into. It hasn't really 'grabbed' me yet. I'd like to know who else has read it and what your thoughts were. Please let me know.