Originally published on May 11, 2024 | Last updated on May 11, 2024
Published in 2018, Where the Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens is a coming-of-age murder mystery novel that has appeared on various bestseller lists. It had been on my “to read” list for ages before I finally got round to reading it. And wow – I was impressed! Read on for my full review.
Plot
Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, a girl who lives in the marshes of North Carolina. At a young age, Kya watches her mother leave the family for good without looking back. Soon, all of her siblings do the same, leaving Kya alone with her drunk, neglectful father. She learns how to cook, take care of the home, and both of their needs. Until one day, her father is gone too. As a young girl, she is left to fend for herself, while dealing with loneliness and feelings of abandonment. Managing to avoid school, Kya doesn’t have much contact with other human beings, and spends most of her time in nature. She doesn’t trust people, and the town she lives in looks down at her, referring to her as “marsh girl.”
The book switches between two timelines: Kya’s life growing up, and her future — where a dead body is found in the marsh and she is the prime suspect for murder.
Review
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions of the marsh and pieces of poetry. As you read the story, you can really picture the marsh and all that it brings; the gulls, feathers, waters and landscape. I really liked how Owens contrasts Kya’s slow-paced marsh life with the fast-paced scenes in the courtroom. As Kya faces the murder trial towards the end of the book, it becomes a gripping courtroom drama.
Kya is a remarkably compelling character who draws you into her unique world. As you follow her journey, you feel her raw emotion, especially the deep sense of loneliness that shapes her story. Kya’s resilience and survival instincts amidst hardship, as well as her deep connection to nature, is very captivating and makes her a truly original character.
The other characters featured are strong and well-rounded. As well as Kya, you can’t help but fall in love with the few people she can trust: Tate, Jumpin’, and Mabel. They choose to help Kya, and are right by her side during the murder court case. There is a romantic element to the story too. Tate, who is a few years older than Kya, becomes a lifeline for her. Tate teaches Kya how to read and write, and looks out for her. Both have a mutual love for the marsh and understand each other. Their friendship eventually blossoms into a romance.
Where the Crawdads Sing Rating – 5/5
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
A coming of age story that deals with the themes of isolation, survival, nature and resilience. This book is beautifully-written, thoughtful and moving. It features an original main character and a very memorable story. Its page-turning plot and shocking ending make it a compelling and unforgettable read.
Have you read this book? I’d love to know your thoughts.
[…] mystery thriller is based on the book by Delia Owens (read my review of the book here.) It follows Kya, who lives in the marshes of North Carolina. The film alternates between two […]