Where The Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens

I had mentally written my review about two-thirds of the way through, but since finishing the book, my thoughts are all over the place.

The first section (‘The Marsh’) of the book is very slowly paced. Owens writes poetically, yet clearly, vividly painting the world of the marsh as Kya sees it. This section is not motivated by much plot, which makes it a bit difficult to stick with it, but simultaneously, it draws the reader into the slow pace of Kya’s limited world. It’s a lot of exposition, which can be hard to get through, but it’s all necessary to lay the foundation for the latter part of the book.

The pace of the story picks up in the ‘Swamp’ section, just like the pace of Kya’s life. I won’t say much about it, as I don’t want to give spoilers, but it becomes a lot harder to put down by this point.

The only part of this book that I hated was the dual timeline/year-jumping. To be fair, I usually hate this literary device and this book is no different. I caught myself going back and forth to check the year at the beginning of the chapter often. There are times when it’s successful, but it generally feels unnecessary and burdensome.

All and all this is a beautiful book, that delves into themes of love, coming-of-age, community, prejudice, nature, and what makes us human.

I’m so glad I waited to watch the movie and read the book before. I am late I know, but this book was chosen for my book club so…
Anyway, this book destroyed me.
I took a little to warm up to it, it’s written splendidly, but with a thick southern accent, and for not English (actually American) mother tongue it can be difficult. Anyway, I came to appreciate this difficulty, it was the same struggle Kya was going through in her childhood, alone and with little way of understanding and being understood.
As the book progressed, both because I got used to the writing and because Kya became more and more acculturated, the story became smoother and faster-paced.

I think going into this book it’s mandatory to read a little about Delia Owens’s background. I was astonished by her knowledge of nature and around 30% of the book I read more about her background as a zoologist and natural science doctor. This not just makes extreme sense, but also makes the reading experience so much better. The moment I became aware all the little things were not fiction, but it was a well-crafted frame to explain human and natural behavior, it was like I was reading with a completely new set of eyes.

This story was so different and overwhelming.
Kya is one in a million, a pure soul and resilient nature, a survivor of others’ cruelty.

I am convinced this book is not for everyone but is also something all should read. This book teaches the reader how sometimes a small gesture can change everything, how a single event can shape a person, how difficult it is to learn when few are ready to help, but mainly how a person can do anything, and achieve everything with resilience and willingness.

Like in nature, this book explains there is no right or wrong and people are mainly ruled by the surroundings and the pack’s behavior, we see it many times throughout the book, starting with Kya’s mother -and brother, and father-, passing through Chase, finishing with Kya herself.

The last 25% of the book is so good I cried so much I couldn’t see anymore. It truly broke me.

Diving into the marshy world of Kya Clark in “Where the Crawdads Sing” was an absolute delight! The atmospheric writing and vivid descriptions had me fully immersed in the story from beginning to end. The twist at the end left me reeling and completely surprised. Delving into themes of love, loss, and resilience, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and emotional journey. Highly recommend adding this gem to your bookshelf!

Si aún no decides si ver la película o leer el libro, debes leer el libro. Te lleva de vívidas descripciones de escenarios naturales de la Costa de Estados Unidos junto con una historia con altibajos de emociones hasta el seguimiento de un juicio bien presentado y argumentado. Después de leerlo, estarás listo para la película.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a breathtaking novel that effortlessly blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements into a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story. Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick lives up to its high expectations and then some!

The novel follows Kya Clark, the enigmatic “Marsh Girl” who grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina. Owens masterfully brings Kya’s world to life with vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and a deep, atmospheric narrative that immerses you fully in the setting. The writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a rich tapestry of the marshland and its inhabitants.

Kya’s journey from an abandoned child to a resilient young woman is portrayed with such depth and sensitivity. Her character is compelling and multifaceted, and her struggle for survival and acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The relationships she forms throughout the novel, particularly those with Tate Walker and Chase Andrews, are complex and add layers of emotional depth to the story.

The dual narrative, which weaves together Kya’s coming-of-age story with a suspenseful murder mystery, is expertly handled. The plot twists and turns are engaging and well-crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the mystery alongside Kya. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, Where the Crawdads Sing is a stunning debut novel that showcases Delia Owens’ talent for storytelling and her deep understanding of human emotions and nature. It’s a novel that resonates long after the last page is turned. For anyone who loves a beautifully written story with rich characters and a captivating plot, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for its emotional depth, exquisite prose, and unforgettable narrative!