#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENONMore than 6 million copies soldA Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club PickA Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can’t even express how much I love this book! I didn’t want this story to end!”–Reese Witherspoon“Painfully beautiful.”–The New York Times Book ReviewFor years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet … years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
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The best book I ever read. Highly recommend it. Didn’t want it to end.
Three weeks ago I gave up on this book after 98 pages & giving it a 1 star review. Overwhelmed by guilt because there’s never been a book I didn’t finish even the worse ones. I picked it up yesterday and read through the night. It’s beautiful, I cried so much with & for Kya! The landscape is descriptive and the characters are loveable with a few bad apples. I read opinions about the ending so I was anticipating it, well I loved it. It’s fitting!
Oh, that poor girl’s tragic life! So sad, and so compelling!
The best book that I’ve read in awhile. The storyline is unique and the character development was excellent. This is movie material.
It was a wonderful story about the resilience of a girl who was abandoned and grew up on her own. She learns what she loves and is very good at – with a few good people who care for her and one who loves her.
I couldn’t stop reading this book. It is well written, exciting, happy and sad all at the same time. The best part, as usual, is the end, but probably not for the same reasons as most books. There is an interesting twist that I never expected. I loved it, from beginning to end.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. The story and characters came to life and the author was able to pull me into her story, which rarely happens.
The best of fiction. Not only did I learn a great deal about the natural environment of the area, but also the story was compelling. I loved this book!
I was bowled over by this complex story of a family living in the wilds of Florida. It is no wonder it has become so popular.
I bought this book based on multiple recommendations to read it but for some reason I kept putting it off, unsure that I would like it. Once I started it, I really couldn’t put it down! The murder is what initially intrigued me but, once I started reading, the characters’ stories are what sucked me in. I was so consumed and heartbroken over Kya’s coming-of-age story that I forgot from time to time that the book even involved a murder. This is easily one of my favorite books of all time.
Beautifully written. Wonderful descriptions of nature. Powerful story of survival. Surprise ending.
Most everyone in our book group loved this book, but I’m in the minority. The central character was interesting at first, but I lost interest the deeper in I got. Things began to be predictable and emotionally flat. The mystery ceased to be mysterious, and it was as if Owens was giving readers spoilers for her own story. Made me wish she’d stuck to being a naturalist.
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Loved every word. You become immersed in the main character & can’t put it down. Did not want it to end.
I love Delia Owens’ lyrical descriptions. She manages to immerse the reader in the world of a lonely girl who’s childhood traumas haunt the story. Deeply symbolic throughout, her writing brings the emotions and the relationships of the characters to life. Everything has an extra layer of meaning – which for me makes the reading that much more enjoyable. The emotional journeys of her characters seem to etch into one’s soul. For example, her opening lines: ‘Marsh is not a swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows into water, and water flows into the sky…’ I think as she describes the marsh, she is describing the main character Kya—foreshadowing the prejudice that will follow The Marsh Girl. A little drawn out in some parts, but, overall, really loved this story.
Great story
Wow. This book is a stunner. The lyrical writing begins on the first page and carried me throughout. Delia Owens intertwines knowledge of the natural world, poetry, and strong characters into a powerful story. This is a stay-up-all-night-just-to-finish-the next-chapter kind of book. I have never been to the South, and yet I feel like I know the marsh as intimately as her character Kya. This book deserves the recognition it has, and will continue to receive. Wow.
Certainly worthy of the praise. Probably one of the best books I’ve ever read.
This was not a type of book I personally pick. Not a favorite. But if you like southern scenes in the Bayou, you’ll enjoy it.
Poorly written, 2-dimensional characters, completely unrealistic plot. Truly disappointing ending.