Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a captivating tale that follows the life of Kya, known as the Marsh Girl, who grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. The story weaves between Kya's lonely childhood, her interactions with the townspeople, and a murder mystery that implicates her. The novel beautifully portrays Kya's deep connection to nature, her struggles with isolation, and her journey to find acceptance and love amidst suspicion and adversity. The plot alternates between past and present, building suspense and intrigue as the mysteries of Kya's life unfold, ultimately culminating in a satisfying and emotional resolution.
The writing style in Where the Crawdads Sing is praised for its lyrical and descriptive nature, painting vivid pictures of the marshlands and capturing the essence of Kya's solitary existence. The author, Delia Owens, skillfully incorporates themes of survival, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a story that is both poignant and engaging. The novel delves into Kya's growth from a young girl abandoned by her family to a strong, independent woman who navigates life's challenges with courage and grace.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content warnings for child neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, sexual assault/attempted rape, and murder.
Has Romance?
The romance element is present but is intricately tied to the central character's isolation and her relationships with the two main male characters.
From The Publisher:
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON
More than 10 million copies sold worldwide
A Reese's Book Club Pick
A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade
"I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!"-Reese Witherspoon
"Painfully beautiful."-The New York Times Book Review
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.
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.
Ratings (721)
Incredible (125) | |
Loved It (290) | |
Liked It (162) | |
It Was OK (73) | |
Did Not Like (55) | |
Hated It (16) |
Reader Stats (1079):
Read It (728) | |
Currently Reading (4) | |
Want To Read (186) | |
Did Not Finish (31) | |
Not Interested (130) |
17 comment(s)
characters
This is one of the best books I have read. Loved the writing and descriptions of the marsh and characters. Just beautiful.
I liked how Delia Owens explored what it means to be a survivor and what it takes. It was a bit predictable, but was still a fast read.
A must-must-must-MUST read.
****4.5****
I was so tired of hearing the hype around this book that finally I HAD to read it. The book did not disappoint me at all.
A beautiful tale of "Marsh Girl", Kya and her survival broke my heart. Kya is one of the strongest female characters that I have read recently. A historical fiction with an element of mystery held my attention. Delia Owens has written a wonderful tale with strong characters, compelling plot with a great setting !!!
A must read!!
Happy Reading!!
Actual rating closer to a 3.5; loved the descriptions and natural history aspects, and was fully drawn into the story for most of the last half, but felt like the pacing was off overall and was a little underwhelmed by the ending.
Omg. Wow. It took me some time to get into but I persisted because I wanted to know more about the Marsh Girl and everything that made her who she was. The ending was perfection. I actually loved this book so much! Definitely worth the read and persistence!
A great story of life's twists and turns
Oddly, I have very little to say about this one. The writing was beautiful, just not my cup of tea. I know there are parts of this book that will stick with me for some time and I felt that the ending was well-done. However, I couldn't get into a sense of flow while reading -- the plot was quite slow.
I cried, I laughed. I cheered.
What can you read after
Where the Crawdads Sing?
About the Author:
Delia Owens is the coauthor of three internationally bestselling nonfiction books about her life as a wildlife scientist in Africa. She holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Georgia and a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University…
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