#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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One of the best books I have ever read.
I fell into the pages of this book. Stick with it (the beginning is sad) and be ready for a great read
I loved this book!
Every so often you will run across a book that leaves you mesmerized and speechless – such was Where the Crawdads Sing. When I finished the last page, I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or just pick up the book and start reading it all over again. If this book doesn’t move you, then you are definitely suffering from paralysis.
Kya is a small girl of only 6, living in the marshlands in a poor, run-down shack with an abusive, overbearing father, older brothers and sisters who have scattered to the winds to be free of their father’s wrath and a momma she adores. But in 1952 she hears the slamming of the door and sees her momma walking down the road with a suitcase in her hand. It didn’t matter how long Kya waits for a sign, a wave, a gesture – anything, because her momma neither looked back nor came back. It was that day that set Kya’s fate in motion and let her know that nobody had her back except herself.
It’s 1969 and the body of a young man is found in the swamp nearly swallowed up by the mud and reeds that surround him. Not dead long, but long enough that the underwater life has taken notice of his presence, he is identified as a local man – Chase Andrews.
Told in alternating stories, the investigation of Chase Andrews’ death and the story of a young child growing to womanhood create such a realistic backdrop that you swear you could dip your bare foot in the murky water and feel a tadpole nibbling on your toes. If you close your eyes you can feel the sultry breeze barely move your hair as it wisps across your brow. You can hear the faint sound of an eagle as he calls out a subtle warning that the attack on his prey is imminent.
This author certainly knows how to paint a canvas without using a brush. The way she lets words float on the page mimic the rocking of a small fishing boat in perfect symmetry with the gentle waves. It is almost poetic — no, it IS poetic. The descriptive nature she uses to paint a backdrop of the marsh reverberates across the page like the sound of a mother singing a soft lullaby. Her written voice is calming and yet carries a hint of impending doom and sadness, like taking an afternoon stroll through the land of “if only”.
It is hard for me to put into words the emotional depth of this story. Suffice it to say it is a tale of strength, courage and accepting disappointments. It is a story of life; it is a story of death. It is a story of the human soul – untouched by man but not unknown to God. It is a story that should be read and re-read. Let it speak to you and whisk you away to a time that is long forgotten, to a way of life that is known to few and to a place where you are one with Mother Earth — in that spot not found on any map, but when you arrive, you’ll know that THIS is where the crawdads sing.
Great read, amazing story
A very different kind of story. Hooray for the underdog and misunderstood and misjudged!
A wonderful book about a young woman with a tragic childhood who makes her own beauty, despite the hardships she faces throughout her life.
One of my favorite books …unforgettable!
Love it! Best book I have read recently.
I enjoyed this book, thought it was a great read in that the author painted a very vivid scene for us. However, as a mother I had difficulty in believing this story could actually happen, (maybe I just can’t relate.) Wide range of emotions are woven into this story so its got a little bit of something for everyone. It’s easy to read and still an enjoyable story.
I really enjoyed this book. Would recommend it.
Consumed every word of this book in a few hours, unable to put it down. The author paints a beautifully vivd picture of Southern marshes and the people that build lives around them. As raw and formidable as the surrounding marsh, Kya captivates the reader from beginning to end. Her story stings and warms your heart, all at the same time. Immense satisfaction with the ending and the impression Kya leaves on the reader. Author Delia Owens masterfully balances an intiguing mystery with a painfully honest coming of age story. A must read that should be placed at the top of your “to-be-read” book pile. Just read it, you won’t regret it.
Great read
This is a story of resilience. Kya, abandoned by her family as a young child learns to survive on her own with the help of Jumpin and Mabel. Kya lives her life in the marsh with little outside acceptance or communication. With very few people in her life she accepts Tate, a friend of her brother who teaches her to read. The author pulls you into the setting to learn about the marsh, the wildlife and educates you along the way. This story is filled with sadness, love, courage and survival. It’s a must read.
This is one of my favorite books. It’s a must read for sure!
Readers fall in love with Kya, the “Marsh Girl” and find themselves caught up with solving the mysterious death at the water tower. The book was different, unpredictable and well written, an elusive combination.
Very unbelievable story
beautiful descriptions
Original story although somewhat unbelievable. The author’s writing style brought the surroundings to life. The solution to the mystery was unexpected
Wonderful description. Highly recommend if you’ve ever explored a marsh, walked a lonely beach, lived alone…