For years, rumours of the 'Marsh Girl' have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens.
My thoughts on Where The Crawdads Sing
I had heard so much about this book but had never gotten round to adding it to my TBR (to be read) pile. As luck would have it, or fate, which ever you believe in, I was on holiday recently to Jamaica. I'm sure you all know what I mean when I say the little book swap corner they have by the TUI rep desk, I spotted it! Sat amongst some other books which id never heard of, I picked it out and ended up carrying it to my evening meal, the musical show, drinks and then eventually taking it back to the room at bedtime. Yes, I had to have it.
If you've read my review on The Lost Storyteller, you will know I had time on my hands after id devoured that in the first two days. I started Where The Crawdads Sing not really knowing much about the book, just that everyone was raving about it. It is definitely a book you will have to concentrate on to start with, but once you do, theres credit where credits due. I was hooked, again. The switching between chapters backwards and forwards take a little getting used to and I found I had to keep checking which year I was in.
The story tells of the life of Kya, a poor, unfortunate girl who's upbringing in the marsh separated her from society. A society who underestimated her, who didn't understand her and who shunned her for that very reason. Kyas strength and resilience see her through her days, but loneliness brings trouble knocking. There are various love stories entwined in this book and I was trapped in a story wanting it to end the way I wanted it too.
After a murder takes place involving the towns hot shot, Kya becomes the main suspect. Regardless of the facts stacked in her favourite it seems as though the end is near for her, the death penalty. I don't want to ruin this story for anyone so im not going to give anymore than that away.
The main characters in the story are Kya, the marsh girl. Perfectly describe to give the reader a clear image of the girl they'll all be rooting for. She is brave yet curious, and is full of knowledge and understanding of the marsh she calls home. Tate is another main character, he brings calm and understanding of the outside world to Kya, quickly falling in love with his friends sister. Tate teaches Kya to read, opening up the world around her, providing her study books to fully capture the creatures and land surrounding her. I think an underrated character in the book is Jumpin', Kyas only friend when she has no one else. Providing a way for her to continue living her life, gifting her things she might need and supporting her through the darkest times. Jumpin' and his wife stick by Kya through thick and thin when she's needs them most.
I would highly recommend this book, its twists and turns, changes in pace, keep it in your hands. The switching chapters keep you going from past to present until the two catch up with each other. Past chapters give the reader the insight into Kya's life and where she came from as well as the trials she faced as a child who has had to provide for herself. The ending was actually my favourite part and an amazing plot twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.
Overall rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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