Review: Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a book filled with compelling, interesting, lovable -- and hate-able -- characters the real star of this book is the marsh where most of the story takes place. Delia Owens' beautiful prose turns the water, grass, sand, sea shells, even the wind into a character in and of itself. She does the same with the birds that are such an important part of the story.

As for the characters, the book follows Kya from the time she's 6-years-0ld until she's 24, when she's accused of killing a "boyfriend." After her mother and brother leave the family shack in the marsh Kya is left with only her drunk and abusive father, and he isn't around very much. She learns to fend for herself and, as a result, is very wary of, and afraid of, most people.

She does develop a friendship with a local black gas station and bait shop owner, Jumpin' and his wife Mabel, as well as her brother's friend Tate Walker, who ends up being a love interest and mentor, who teaches her to read (She only went to school for one day.) in a cabin "where the crawdads sing," and helps her turn her love of and deep connection to the marsh into something she can share with others.

Kya also gets into a relationship with popular Chase Andrews, who is found dead under the town's water tower. Kya is charged with his murder, and a trial ensues.

Owens does share with us what Kya's life was like after the trial as well.

Where the Crawdads Sing is part coming of age story, part murder mystery, and part exploration of a part of North Carolina that most people will never get to see -- the beautiful and fascinating marshes.

You can hear my interview with Delia here.

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