City News

In her novel “Where the Crawdads Sing”, author Delia Owens tells the gripping story of a girl who grew up alone in the rural marshes of North Carolina. In 1952, at a young age, Kya Clark was abandoned in the marshes by her parents and siblings. With only being left with the family shack, Kya had to learn to fend for herself and make a living while being viewed as the strange Marsh Girl by locals of the nearest town, Barkley Cove. Despite being rejected by the people in town, Kya manages to find friends in the seagulls and other creatures living in the marshes. As Kya matures, she intrigues two men from the town who are attracted by her untamed beauty. As she had few human influences growing up, Kya must learn how to manage these relationships and open herself up after years of abandonment. Through Kya, Owens tells a beautiful coming-of-age story that is unpredictable and keeps readers fascinated. As the story is also told

during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, there is an intriguing historical narrative.

Along with telling the story of Kya, “Where the Crawdads Sing” is also a murder mystery. In 1969, the former quarterback and star of Barkley Cove, Chase Andrews, was mysteriously found dead. With their prejudice in mind, locals immediately suspect the local legend Marsh Girl, Kya. As the town sheriff investigates, he attempts to determine whether the death of Chase Andrews was an accident or in fact a murder with little evidence to follow. Including the subplot about the murder of Chase Andrews turns this novel into more than a story about a girl who is different.

The murder mystery aspect adds another layer of depth besides the heartbreaking story of Kya the Marsh Girl.

In this novel, Owens also demonstrates the power of nature and the influence that it can have. Kya never obtained a formal education from schools in town, but her education from the wildlife of the marshes proves very beneficial to her as she grows older. As she has degrees in Zoology and Animal Behavior, Owens gives a detailed account of wildlife in the marshes of North Carolina. The descriptions of nature given by Owens help to build upon the story of Kya and provide details that keep readers entertained.

Overall, “Where the Crawdads Sing” is a must-read. With the multiple angles of a coming-of-age story, murder mystery, and homage to nature, there is never a dull moment. There are also many plot twists within the narrative which makes it difficult to make any predictions about what will happen to Kya next. The only critique is of the ending which is unsatisfying when compared to the rest of the story and depressing. However, I highly recommend this book because it is beautifully written and gives many important life lessons. Owens teaches readers that someone who is different, like Kya, can provide amazing insights into life and is not someone who should be subjected to prejudice based on their background.

Checkout Where the Crawdads Sing from the Newport Beach Public Library.