A book review of “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
So as I’ve previously mentioned, I set a goal to read more in 2022. While I am not doing super great at achieving this goal, there are a number of books that I have recently read that I would like to share in case anyone here is looking for a new story to indulge in – and I promise this is a good one.
With more than 12 million copies sold, Where the Crawdads Sing is a 2018 novel by American author Delia Owens. The fictional story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine. Set in the 1950s-1960s, the first timeline describes the life and adventures of a young girl, Kya Clark, as she grows up and matures in the marsh of North Carolina. The second timeline follows an investigation into the apparent murder of Chase Andrews, a local celebrity of Barkely Cove, a fictional quiet town on the coast of North Carolina.
For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” (aka, Kya) have haunted Barkley Cove. In late 1969, Chase was found dead and the locals immediately suspected Kya. However, Kya doesn’t fit the mold created for her. She is sensitive and incredibly intelligent, and has survived alone for years in the marsh she calls home – finding friends in the birds and education in the sand. As she matures, the time comes when she yearns to be loved. Two young men from town become incredibly intrigued by her wild beauty, encouraging Kya to open up to an entirely new life. Until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is a magnificent nod to the natural world, but a painfully beautiful novel with a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising murder mystery. As you read this novel, Delia Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that none of us are safe from the beautiful, but sometimes violent, secrets that nature keeps.
As of February 2022, this book has spent 150 weeks on the bestseller list and I can honestly understand why. It made its way through my family – starting with my sister, next my mom, then me. We all read this novel within 3-5 days because once we got into it, we could not put it down. I have always been a fan of love stories (where are my Nicholas Sparks fans at? 😉 ) so that aspect of Where the Crawdads Sing drew me in instantly. Little did I know that it would also be a murder mystery and a telling tale of the strength it takes to embrace your individuality living in a small community.
After my sister, mom, and I read this book, we were thrilled to learn that there will be a film adaptation of this story! Most of the time I love when books are made into films, but I certainly try to always read the book first. I love to imagine what the characters and settings would look like in my own mind. I find it interesting to see how others interpret the storyline into a movie – films haven’t failed me yet, so I hope this movie is as good as the book! The film, Where the Crawdads Sing, is scheduled to be released on July 15, 2022.
If you haven’t read this novel yet, head to your local library first to check it out! Or if you’d rather purchase it yourself, click on the picture below.
If you get the chance to read Where the Crawdads Sing, please do. Or if you’ve already read it, let me know what you thought! 🙂
Rooted in ag and led by faith,
Ellyn
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