Even though I’ve heard about this book for a couple of months, I really never consider reading it until I found out the adaptation was coming out this year. I grew up as a reader in the time when the Hunger Games and Divergent came out, which means that one thing I love is watching my favourite stories come alive on the screen. Also, the trailer had an unreleased Taylor Swift song, and that was enough to convince me.
When picking up ‘Where The Crawdads Sing’ I decided this would be the first book I will try to annotate for real and read in less than 24 hours as a challenge. Thinking back, it was now the smartest decision since my eyes were killing me the next day. However, annotating the book really helped me understand Kya and the circumstances in the past that foreshadowed her future.
Further, this being a mystery book, it helps pause and annotate since as a reader, it helps you notice some clues that the author leaves along the way hinting who the killer will be.
Overall, this book is incredible. Every single detail of the story, plot, structure and characters feel unique. After following, Kya growing up, one truly gets to understand the power of words, gossip and the impact people have on your life.
Author
Delia Owens is not only the author of this bestselling novel but also a wildlife scientist. Something that does not surprise me, considering the book itself is very specific when it comes to animals Kya finds in the marsh.
Owens spent more than 23 years living in remote parts of Africa researching lions, elephants and other animals. This led her to co-author 3 non-fiction bestselling books about her expeditions and adventures.
Overview
The book follows the life of Kya, or as many people will get to know here ‘The Marsh Gir.’ Early on, we get to see how Kya is left alone at 6 years old when her mom leaves. Soon after this happens, all her brothers and sisters do the same, running away from their father, who is an alcoholic.
Even though Kya’s father is around for a couple of years, he also ends up leaving town. Victim of this abandonment, Kya finds a way to make her own money selling mussels and oysters to Jumpin’, who runs the gas station. Later on, Jumpin’ and his wife Mabel will turn into parental figures for Kya, watching and supporting her from afar.
Apart from this connection, Kya was mostly alone until Tate, an old friend of one of his brothers, appears in the picture. In the beginning, this connection helps Kya understand the basics of the exterior world. She learned to read and educates herself with the books he brings her from school. But later, a relationship builds between these characters.
Now, in the present, the reader quickly catches that whether or not Kya was responsible for the murder of Chase Andrews, the most popular boy in Barkley’s Cove; they were involved in the past. This small detail ends up being the main cause of why Kya is accused.
Is the Marsh Girl truly capable of murder? Or is she just the victim of everyone’s prejudice and gossip? Well, that is something you’ll have to find out
Personal Thoughts
There are many things I love about this book, but probably what attracts me more to it is that it feels unique. I’ve read many books throughout my life, including some thrillers and mysteries, but there is nothing like ‘Where The Crawdads Sing.’ The narrative keeps you on your toes through every chapter and keeps you wondering who the killer is until the very end.
I also like that you get to see all the characters grow up and change with time. The good and the bad all is there, and it does help build up the conclusion of this story. As the reader, you get to understand Kya and admired what she has accomplished even when destiny seemed to be turned against her.
Throughout the book when Kya is being judged or accused you feel rage reading what people used to do to her, how they cast her away and pretended she didn’t exist until they needed to find something to laugh about.
But, in the same way, you appreciate those hearts of gold who look after her and accepted her.
A definite must-read for 2022 and an example of how even the simplest plot can turn into something magical.
Plot & Structure 10/10
The plot is one of the elements of this book that captures the attention of all readers from the very beginning. The marsh girl is a character everyone can empathize with and you even feel the need to protect her innocence.
The story is predictable if you know how to pick up the subtle clues the author drops in the first few chapters. But even then, you still doubt yourself during the trial.
The structure is mainly composed of time jumps at the beginning of each chapter and overall it is easy to follow. However, I do recommend making some annotations of Kya’s age to understand whether a couple of years have passed or if she is still the same age.
Character Development 8/10
The main characters that are developed throughout the book are Tate and Kya. Others are mentioned here and there during Kya’s childhood and later when she is an adult but there is not much description regarding their personality. In general, most of the people from the town are presented as one collective being that from the beginning believe Kya is guilty without any proof.
Kya and Tate do have a different interaction with the audience since you almost feel you grow up with them.
Dialogue 10/10
Due to the time and place where the book takes place, the dialogue could have been the one element that either destroyed or gave more power to the plot. Fortunately, Owens is a great author and the dialogue made the story come to life. When reading the conversations is like you can almost hear their accent.
Plus, the dialogue serves as a complement to the internal conversations the characters have.
Unanswered Questions 10/10
I do have to admit that close to the end of the book I had many questions, but the plot was so good I didn’t even care about the answer. However, Owens does resolve all unanswered questions in those last few pages of the book.
Voice 10/10
As I have mentioned many times during this review, Owens feels like a unique voice. Even when the plot could be considered basic since it is a common murder mystery her writing makes it stand out from others.
Personal Note
I can’t wait for Owens’s next novel because this one was a masterpiece. For all mystery lovers, my advice is to run to the bookstores and get this book on your shelves today.
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