“Where the Crawdads Sing” is an eloquent and stunning debut novel by author Delia Owens. Set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the story follows Kya Clark, a young girl who becomes orphaned at a young age and has to fend for herself in the harsh environment. With only her wits and intuition to guide her, Kya must learn how to survive in the unforgiving marshland while also avoiding those who would do her harm. As she grows into adulthood, Kya finds love and contentment despite all odds but must face down tragedy once again before finally finding peace. “Where the Crawdads Sing” is a beautifully written ode to nature, family bonds, and determination that will stay with you long after reading it.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in reading about strong female lead characters, nature and its beauty, as well as the power of resilience.
Pros :
- Incredibly well written, with stunning prose
- The story is powerful and moving, capturing the human experience in all its shades
- Owens has a real gift for painting pictures with her words that will stay with you long after reading
Cons :
- The pacing may be slow for some readers
- The ending may feel rushed or unfinished to some
- Many readers may not enjoy the descriptive nature of the prose
Learn more about the author
Delia Owens is a biologist who has been working in the field of animal behavior for over thirty years. She has written several scientific papers on her findings and taught at Clemson University for twenty-five years. “Where the Crawdads Sing” is her first novel.
Reader Reviews
“I absolutely loved this book! It’s a quiet, introspective look at the life of a young girl who is damaged by the circumstances of her childhood but still manages to find hope and happiness. The descriptions of the natural landscape were so vivid I could practically smell the salt in the air and feel the mud between my toes. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.”
“Where the Crawdads Sing”
“A lyrical and hauntingly beautiful debut novel.”
“I am not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Owens’ writing is poetic and her characters are richly drawn – you feel like you know them by the end.”