Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens on August 14, 2018
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For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens.
Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Karen Russell, Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Book Review: When the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I read this book in one sitting and it was glorious. I picked this up after glorious reviews from Amy, the Southern Girl Reads, Sarah from Sarah’s Bookshelves and Angela from Angela Reads Books. This was also September’s Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.
This is the story of Kya who was abandoned in the North Carolina marsh at the age of 6. She is left to fend for herself with her alcoholic dad until the age of 10 and then afterwards she was left all alone. People in the town made fun of Kya because she doesn’t have money. She is called Marsh girl. She is discriminated and isolated. She only has a small support system.
Kya is supported by Jumpin’, an African American who gives her work as she looks for mussels and smoke fish to sell. Tate a young boy from the neighborhood teaches Kya how to read, write and biology and teaches how to love.
She is involved with the star quarterback who shows her what is wrong with this world.
There is a murder mystery and courtroom drama.
The story is set in the 1950s and 1960s. We do see Kya all the way at the end of her life. We find resolution regarding the murder mystery.
This book is atmospheric and it has great nature writing. You feel like you are in the Marshes.
My feels: This book is about a strong female character who against all odds is able to pull herself out of poverty and carve her own path. This is a character who has lived in isolation and has to come to terms with her experience. We witness discrimination and we also witness the love and support that Kya receives from Jumpin and Mabel.
Warning: This book will give you a hangover.