This summer I was given a level work to complete. I was asked to write a review on an interesting book I had recently read. I’ve expressed how much I love this book before on bookstagram, but in this review I’m elaborating on why you should read it too.
This year (2020) Delia Owen’s debut novel, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, was published.
Review:
Delia Owens tells the story in two time periods: one starts in 1952 and we follow our protagonist, Kya, through her development from child to woman living in the marsh on the North Carolina coast. As a child Kya is abandoned by her family and is left to fend for herself. Due to her unconventional lifestyle and background, Kya is made an outcast by society who alienate her and know her as the ‘Marsh Girl’.
Living in isolation, she develops a strong understanding of the marsh, learning lessons from it, discovering its secrets and finding companionship with the gulls. Every day for Kya is one of survival, in which she puts her trust in the marsh to protect her.
The townspeople are repelled as Kya grows into a young woman, but also captivated and fascinated by her wild beauty and independence. But Kya isn’t a wild animal; she is intelligent, sensitive and she longs for love and social interaction.
We also read about the police investigation taking place in 1969. The local football legend, Chase Andrews has died, but was it a tragic accident or planned murder?
In addition, Delia Owens’ lyrical descriptions are beautifully detailed thereby adding layers of depth to her novel.
“Autumn leaves don’t fall; they fly. They take their time and wander on this, their only chance to soar. Reflecting sunlight, they swirled and sailed and fluttered on the wind drafts.”
Writing like this encouraged me to read the book more slowly. This enabled me to take in each intricate phrase and every landscape that Delia Owens illustrates so vividly. For me, this novel is completely captivating, evokes emotion and is unforgettable.
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