Ingram reviews “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

Zoologist Delia Owens has touched the hearts of many with her gut-wrenching but beautiful novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. The novel incorporates a murder mystery, a coming of age, and a nature adoring plot. Owens depicts the story through an abandoned child’s eyes in marshy Barkley Cove, North Carolina. Six-year-old Kya Clark has been abandoned by not only her town, but by her family.  

The story starts in 1969, when two boys exploring the woods of Barkley Cove encounter former star quarterback, Chase Andrews, dead. Going back in time to 1952, Kya’s mother leaves her with an abusive father and three siblings, each one leaving home throughout the following chapters. Her older brother Jodie is the last to leave, but before he escapes, he teaches Kya about the marsh. Kya learns her life lessons through the marsh, and her fascination drives her to become something she would never have expected.  

The narrative also gives examples of prejudice and narrowmindedness. Citizens of Barkley Cove never liked “swamp trash.” Before Kya even learned to read in her teenage years, she experienced the pain that slurs and harassment bring.  Outside the local Piggly Wiggly, Kya, age six, endured the first sign of rejection from her town. She was later nicknamed “The Marsh Girl of Barkley Cove.” 

The ending of Where the Crawdads Sing was surprising, and readers are wanting more.  “The Marsh Girl” has layers that are brought to light. 

Owens’ novel is not only lovely, it’s tear-jerking. Kya’s narrative is moving and the isolation she endured as a child is unforgettable. Reminding readers that love is the most powerful emotion, Delia Owens executes the novel in such an eloquent and gripping way.