Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

In Delia Owen’s debut novel, we are taken to the marshes of North Carolina, a landscape of sea mist, mud and salt, teeming with bird and sea life. The location is integral to the story of Kya, the ‘Marsh Girl’, who is left to fend for herself, living on her wits to survive alone in this difficult landscape. It is a story of adversity, coming of age and first love, as well as a mystery surrounding the murder of the handsome and popular, Chase Andrews.

 The narrative interleaves Kya’s childhood story with the current investigation into Chase’s murder. The timeframes are deftly handled and the writing, overall, is beautiful particularly descriptions of the weather, sea, marsh and its wildlife. As Kya matures, her knowledge of the area and the inhabitants have important, life-changing, impacts on her life. With the help of a young man, Tate, she learns to love poetry and become an accomplished artist.

But the central theme involves loneliness and what that does to a growing child, and its opposite, the need for connection and love. She receives constant support from few people, with two notable exceptions, Jumpin’ and Mabel. As her desire for an intimate relationship develops, two young men become intrigued by her wild beauty leading to unthinkable events. Her rivals for the attention of the young men are girls who Kya names Tallskinnyblond, Alwayswearspearls, Ponytailfreckleface and Roundchubbycheeks, bringing a welcome lightness to the story.

 The mystery surrounding the murder of Chase reaches a climax at the end of the story producing a surprising twist, along with further revelations about Kya’s skills.

4 stars