Title: Where the Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Published: 2018
Call #: FIC/Owens
There is a reason this book is a New York Times Bestseller and June's most read book on Goodreads. If you haven’t read it yet, go check it out right now. This book is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Kya is six years old when her Ma walks down the lane, never to return. Not long after, her brother leaves. Fast forward some years later and Kya's father also leaves. She now lives in the marsh in North Carolina abandoned and lonely, but Kya is a survivor. In order to survive and earn money, she learns to dig mussels. To eat, she makes Ma’s garden fruitful again. Kya also does not attend school much, she gets bullied by her classmates. At home, she has to hide from the truancy officer. Kya knows the marsh so well, she can hide and not be found. As she grows up, she does get a little help from “Jumpin’” and his wife Mabel. She is given some clothing and other supplies. She survives, thrives, and comes of age in her marsh.
As if Kya's story is not compelling enough, there is also a mystery storyline. Chase Andrews found dead at the fire tower. There is little evidence at the crime scene and the sheriff is investigating. Kya is an easy suspect and is quickly accused of killing him.
The tone of the novel is haunting and lyrical. The characters are complex and real. Details of the landscape makes the marsh feel so tangible and makes the marsh as much a character in the story as Kya is. The reader will live in that marsh with the Marsh Girl and grows to care deeply about her. This is one of those rare books that you live in rather than read. Highly recommended.
Michaelle S.
Poplar Materials Asst.