Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens, is a dual novel centered on a young woman, Kya Clark, and the mystery of the death of a local, Chase Andrews. The story follows Kya living in an isolated shack and relying solely upon nature for her survival. Abandoned by her own family, Kya struggles to gain her footing as an outcast from society. “Marsh Girl” they call her, the first suspect in the case of Chase Andrews, but what they don't know is the struggles she endured. Everything Kya knew she learned from the world around her, studying the marsh and recording even the slightest of observations.Eventually, Kya made a living off her knowledge of the marsh, publishing her findings. Sensitive and intelligent, Kya is nothing like the person locals make her out to be.

This story is a commentary on the way society treats those who are different, shunning them instead of lending a helping hand. After years of struggle, and a murder trial, the locals realize their wrongdoings, but it's too late, the years of isolation have changed Kya, making it difficult for her to open up. Eventually Kya is able to be vulnerable, marrying the person who made the biggest impact on her life. Teaching her to read and write, being patient and understanding, not fearing or disregarding her, Tate was the one of the few people to ever show up for Kya.

While the movie is by no means a horrible adaptation, the book always provides a more enriching story. The one notable moment from the movie comes after its end, while the credits roll. ‘Carolina,’ made by Taylor Swift especially for the adaptation, plays with lyrics like “Only Carolina knows.” Highlighting the marsh, being the only one to know Kya’s real life, in every sense of the word. The isolation and struggle, but more importantly the answer to the looming question of the fate of Chase Andrews.

My summary doesn't even scratch the surface of the nuance and depth of the book. That being said, I hope you read it, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I, and millions of readers across the globe do.