#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.
more
Oh my gosh, I LOVED this novel! It is hauntingly beautiful.
It’s a mystery, it’s a naturalist story, it’s a love story and so much more.
My words will not do this book the justice it deserves, but here goes.
Kya is 7 when she is abandoned by her family in the marshes of North Carolina. Not knowing what to do, who to turn to and optimistically hoping that someone from her family will return, she continues living at their shack home in the marsh. When no one returns, she collects mussels to sell to the local bait shack/gas station owner–Jumpin’, in order to survive. Jumpin’ and his wife Mabel realize that she is living wild on her own and take up a collection at their church to provide her with some clothing and other items. The truancy officer catches Kya and Kya attends school for a day, hoping for at least one good meal and some education. The other school children make fun of her so much that she never returns.
Kya eventually becomes friendly with one of her brother’s friends–Tate. He, too, loves the marsh and has very little family. Tate begins to teach Kya to read and write. They eventually kiss, but once Tate leaves for college, he too, abandons Kya.
Kya’s loneliness becomes too great and she begins a sexual relationship with one of the popular town kids–Chase Andrews. Chase makes all kinds of promises to Kya, that he too breaks, leaving her alone once again.
Tate returns and realizes that he still loves Kya, but she cannot forgive him. He tries to still be her friend, but she remains wary. He sees her beautiful renderings of the local shells, birds, and local fauna and convinces her to let him submit some to a publisher. Her drawings are turned into a book with the need for more, solving her money issues.
During this time Chase Andrews is found dead. He could have fallen from the water tower, but he could also possibly have been pushed. Kya is eventually charged with the murder. We learn of Chase’s death early in the novel and it is told from a then/now perspective, which draws us into both Kya’s life story and the mystery surrounding Chase’s death.
This novel is written with such restraint and quiet beauty that it’s hard to believe this was Owens’ first foray into fiction. I want more Owens.
READ IT, READ IT, READ IT!
This book was wonderful one of my all time favorites now
I loved this book. I know I will read it again some day.
There are few books I read and say on the last page, “I will reread this book many times.” Owens has gifted us with a beautiful book, even in the tension, suspense, and longing. It’s one-of-a-kind. Powerful characters, the lush beauty of the North Carolina marshes, and suspense that trails through the sea grasses. Where the Crawdad Sings is lyrical, raw, stunning, and unforgettable. A must read.
One of my favorite books
Had a hard time getting into it.
An outstanding read. The characters were deeply moving and the setting almost became another character in the story. I couldn’t put it down.
Everyone recommends this book, many say it is one of the best they’ve ever read. I say it is an amazing book, but the story just ripped my heart out. It was amazing and haunting.
Absolutely loved it
Great characters with a perfect ending.
Great read
Where the crawdads sing is now on my list of “Books I love and will read again”.
Editor should have caught some simple, yet big, errors on the location of North Carolina coast to Asheville. Also sun sets in the west not over the Atlantic. Otherwise, a beautifully descriptive novel with haunting scenes and characters.
Not as great as its reviews
I simply love this novel! Well written!
Wow! The author has an amazing vocabulary and has written an amazing book. This is the story of a poor family who live in a shack in the marshlands of N.C. her dad is abusive and her siblings all leave. One day after her mom is beaten she leaves the little girl with her dad. Eventually he leaves her to fend for herself. The townspeople shun her and call her Marsh Girl. She never goes to school but learns everything about the marsh environment. Eventually a local boy, Tate, teaches her to read. It is a truly wonderful story!
This was just a book I could not put down. Enticing and enjoyable start to finish!!!
This is the best book I’ve read in a long while. Couldn’t put it down. Absolutely original, realistic characters, and a narrative that felt like I was reading a true story. I didn’t just enjoy this book, I fell in love with it, and it is an instant keeper shelf favorite.
This is an excellent read. The characters are believable and well developed and the story, although a bit strange, is well told.
WoW! You don’t want to miss this one.WOW!