Where the Crawdads Sing

Well written! So sad but I could not put it down!!

I enjoyed this book, even though the premise is unbelievable. In the 1960’s could a six year old, abandoned by her family figure out how to survive in the swampy marshland of North Carolina? Probably not. However the beautiful, poetic descriptions of the marsh and the nature there is so beautiful, I wanted to keep reading about the setting.

After a while, I start to like the spunky, wily, reclusive girl, Kya, but I still can’t believe she’s finding enough to eat in the isolated marsh where her family formally occupied a shack. It would have taken a person with some stamina and body strength to maintain livability of the dwelling and find enough food to keep themselves healthy enough to do it. So, I had to approach the story as a fantasy of a life, where the plants, insects, and birds were the most interesting characters. These descriptions were captivating and eventually the birds and the bees were linked to Kya, her social structure, and her life in the marsh.

I would recommend Where the Crawdads Sing for the setting alone. It’s beautifully and accurately described. The genre is difficult to determine. It’s a murder mystery, love story, nature book. The main character does go through some challenges which keep it interesting, but still not believable for me. The girl goes to school one day and has no friends or stomach for it, so she never returns. Therefore she’s a young teen before someone ever takes the time to teach her to read. That and the game her tutor plays with her on the feather stump add to the fantastical feeling of the story.

The tale is told from Kya’s point of view, but there are many scenes where the reader is privy to the thoughts of others. The descriptions of nature carried me through the first part of the book, but the second part was less entertaining because there was a murder trial, which also didn’t seem believable. It’s a stretch to accept that much of the things that happen in this book are possible. However it’s an extreme example of bullying and ostracizing of a poor child living outside of an accepted social structure, and it brings up exaggerated examples of what could occur.

I loved the fact that Kya turned out to be a renowned author of nature books about various aspects of the marsh: shells, grasses, birds, mushrooms, etc. However, the way this happened was also unbelievable. Maybe if her childhood had been more realistic, I could have wrapped my head around this marsh child thriving and evolving as a well-known illustrator and author. However, I was happy that she did. It was some vindication for her treatment by the community. But, there was still a wildness about her, a relationship with insects and nature, a natural response only she would understand. In the end, her survival in the marsh and her observances framed every decision she ever made and that unbelievable childhood had to have occurred.

Part of the magic of this novel is entering that alternate natural world where human mores, the made-up part of our world, are cast aside, no longer applicable. We must accept that when you enter the marsh, you enter Kya’s world, and anything can happen. She’ll take you there, to the parallel universe that exists as we go about our business, not paying attention. It’s genius, and in nature, there is justice.

A story that keeps you thinking even when you put it down. A wonderful read!

Probably the best book I’ve ever read! The storyline is heart wrenching at times,but it pulled me in from page one. Original and unique with a surprise ending!

Those interested in the biology of the marsh will fnd Where the Crawdads Sing interesting. The description of the marsh almost makes it a character in itself. The descriptive language used to introduce the setting is certainly a strong point for this novel.

The affect of abandonment and abuse is apparent in the character’s inability to form realistic and lasting bonds with others. The main character is unable to trust others. Many may find the plot’s conclusion unpredictable; however, I was not surprised at all. I do believe the author could have enhanced the element of suspense by sharing more inner development of the character.

The chapter to chapter movement from past to present is a very effective writing strategy for this particular novel, and I would say it was well done with no confusion for the reader. I appreciated the notation of the year as time changed.

As a North Carolinean, I was disappointed there was no greater link to the Tar Heel State. The setting could have been in any state with marshes as a geographic feature. There was no feeling the author truly knew or even visited North Carolina. I felt the dialogue and development of supporting characters was stereotypical and probably derived from the author’s reading other books or stories and without personal experience. The dialogue did not reflect the unique flow of speech patterns or dialect in the very distinct regions of North Carolina.

As a teacher with strong literacy experience, It is also a stretch to believe the character was able to read and write at the professed level with the only true instruction coming from sporadic visits from another not much older than herself and with very limited materials. I also found it a stretch to believe the character survived on a diet of grits and mussels with little other vegetable, dairy, or protein resources. Even for the time period, it is unimaginable that the character could have provided necessities of life (including fuel for the boat) with her almost nonexistent financial resources.

Again with consideration for the time period, I remain suspended in disbelief that there was no more intervention in rescuing this child from her circumstances. No do-gooders, no busy bodies? Year after year? Not a concept I find believable from the North Carolina I know. There would have been more sustained intervention even in the fifties and sixties. That level of intervention would have fit the thirties, but I just cannot see it as realistic picture of the time. Social workers’ interventions of the time were not where they are today, but they were certainly more involved and persistent than portrayed in this novel. This child went into town; yes, infrequently, but she was certainly well known enough in the town to be shunned for her lack of hygiene and social skills. Why no intervention? This does not fit small town North Carolina.

I liked the book because of the descriptive language, but the factors regarding a lack of true awareness of NC and our people and the unlikelihood a small child could have survived with the available resources unfortunately affected my ability to truly respect the story. I rated the book as four stars, changed it to three, back to four, and finally the real factor leading me to a final three star review was the strong conviction and disappointment that North Carolina was missing from this story.

In retrospect, I find myself questioning my three star review, thinking the pure improbability of such a story should earn a two rating. I suggest the author learn NC geography at the very least. I assure you new bicycles could be purchased long before Asheville. Author’s research could begin with a map.

This book is silver screen worthy!!!
What an amazing gift Ms Delia Owens has given humanity.
A powerful book laced with heartache, tough times, and a willingness to survive & conquer life to the fullest.
I will forever be thankful I read this masterful novel. It will remain in my heart and very soul for all time.
Kya weaved herself into my heart and will forever remain, especially when fireflies light the night.

This book makes you want to pay attention to everything in nature and people. It reminds us not to judge first based on circumstances. A great read!!

This was one of those books that kept me up late reading, then kept me awake even longer just thinking about it. Very unique story. Sad, inspiring, intriguing, love story, mystery, nature lessons, survival story, all in one. Hard to discuss without giving it away! I loved it- recommending to my book club!

Full of characters to love. Kya has been deserted by her family, yet learns to be reliant on what is around her, more so than I would have been able to do at her age!

What a great book – I couldn’t put it down.