I’m back today with a book review. I recently finished Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and really enjoyed it. I’ve heard of this book for quite a while, and it seems to be polarizing. People either love it or hate it. So, here is my review of Where the Crawdad Sings.
I listened to Where the Crawdads sing on Audible (affiliate link). Last year, I signed up for a year membership that gave me 12 credits at a discount. It was one of the best things I’ve purchased in a while, because it’s made me read more. I listen to an audiobook any time I can — in the car, when I’m working from home, or when I’m cleaning. It’s been great.
I’ve found that the narrator is really key for me to enjoy an audiobook. Previously, audiobooks just were not my jam because the narrators weren’t great. Now, I search for highly rated narrators and then select books from that list.
Where the Crawdads Sing is a polarizing book, and I definitely see both sides. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it’s also a sad and depressing story. Kya is the main character, and at the beginning of the story she lives in the outerbanks of NC with her family. Right at the beginning, her mom leaves, followed by all her siblings. She is left with her dad, who is a drunk. Eventually he leaves as well. Kya survives on her won in the swamp, attending school a total of one day in her entire life. Tate, a local boy who befriends her, teaches her to read. They become friends and, later on, date.
The other part of the story is a murder that happens in the swamp. Chase Andrews, a local, was found dead at the bottom of the swamp. No one knows who did it, and all the clues that possibly could have been useful have been washed away by the high tide. Many people suspect the Marsh Girl, Kya, is the murderer; however, no one can prove it.
I absolutely love the way the story is written, because you have Kya’s story of growing up in the marsh while, simultaneously, this story about the murder that no one can figure out. It was really well done. You get the sense that the two stories are going back and forth and slowly converging to the same point. I really enjoyed it!
Of course, I don’t have to spoil the ending at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend this to anyone. On the other hands, it’s such a sad story I can see why it’s not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. However, I almost didn’t read it due to reading negative reviews but am 100% glad that I gave it a chance.
Have you read Where the Crawdads Sing?
Rebecca has been writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle topics since 2011. Thank you so much for reading this post! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. I love hearing from you!
