This is a spoiler-free book review!
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance
Author: Delia Owens
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.
Overview: Where the Crawdads Sing Book Review
I first came across Where the Crawdads Sing when I was browsing the shelves of my local library. As if the poetic name and beautiful cover wasn’t enough to pull me in, the beautiful writing in the prologue is what hooked me for good. Instead of checking it out, I decided to buy the book and take it home. A few weeks later, I got one of my favorite stories I read thus far.
Story/Plot
Where the Crawdads Sing alternates between the perspective of Kya who grows up on the outskirts of a small town in the late 20th century, and a group of detectives who investigate the murder of a popular town boy, Chase Andrews. In this fascinating story, not only do we watch Kya learn to navigate the wilderness alone, but we also see how she steers through her growing sense of loneliness. Between the beautiful scenery and Kya’s natural curiosity, this book starts off as a very soothing read in part 1 before diving full on into the mystery surrounding the murder of Chase Andrews in part 2.
Between the vivid atmosphere, the exploration of complex emotions, and the beautiful short poems scattered throughout the novel, Where the Crawdads Sing was a very nice read.
Characters
Kya was certainly an interesting character. She was never short of challenges coming her way as she survived in the wilderness. Beyond the challenges of nature, Kya also battles emotional hardships that turns her from the mysterious “Marsh Girl” who roams the forest into a very real and relatable character.
She also meets other characters, more or less, who are sure to evoke strong emotions in you whether it’s love or hate. It’s interesting to see how Kya views these characters.
Writing
As already mentioned, I picked up Where the Crawdads Sing because I was impressed by the writing of its setting. The scenery is amazing. The author successfully paints a vivid picture of the wilderness and its calming environment from cover to cover. This along with the poems scattered throughout the story is what makes Where the Crawdads Sing such an intriguing read.
This book gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me.
If you decide to read Where the Crawdads Sing, be sure to check out my book discussion articles after reaching part 1, then the ending:
- Where the Crawdads Sing Part 1: Kya’s Abandonment
- Let’s Discuss the Ending: Poetry in Where the Crawdads Sing
Choosing to read Where the Crawdads Sing for your book club? Sign up for my emailing list to gain access to exclusive book club questions, completely free: