Where The Crawdads Sing

Where The Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

Crime / Contemporary Fiction

384 pages 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

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.

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Where The Crawdads Sing is a story based around survival, loss, heartbreak and love. This story goes back and forth in time from 1952-1970, telling the story of Kya Clarke, aka the Marsh Girl. The narrative portrays Kya from age six to twenty four.

Kya is abandoned by her family. She lives in a small shack in North Carolina, defending for herself at only six years old. Her only friends are the gulls and surrounding wildlife. Mother Nature plays a big part within the book, becoming Kya's comfort and caretaker in life.

Kya blossoms into a beautiful young, intelligent women, where she ends up befriending local boy, Tate. He may not be much older than she is but he guides her through life, helping her learn to read and discovering herself. It soon turns into a quick sweet love story about young love.

This book is very controversial as its about love and loneliness yet also a murder mystery. Who knew these topics could work so well together? Owens has a very unique way of writing. She doesn't tell you what you should think, it is beautifully written for you to have your own perspective. The detail and description Owen shares, makes you believe you are wrapped safely in nature and the surroundings of the marsh, just like Kya. The journey carries you through a sea of emotions (no pun intended!) feeling sadness, love, happiness and guilt. I kept feeling sad for Kya and would constantly seek positivity as that is what I felt she deserved. Owens has a way of making you feel maternal, wanting to protect her at all costs. To have that feeling, just shows how well written this book truly is.

I had never read or even heard of Delia Owens before this book, however I was extremely impressed! I'd even say it is my favourite book of 2020 so far!