Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

Hi everyone

Okay, I’ll admit it; I’m very late to the party with this one! Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was a major hype a few years ago. And, if I’m honest, I don’t have the best track record with hyped books. So, I decided to skip it back then. But then, one of my nieces read it a few months ago (shoutout to Kaat!), and suddenly, it was back on my radar. This time, I was curious enough to give it a chance. 
I read this on my e-reader. 

"For years, rumors 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."

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. 

Now, don’t get me wrong; the writing can be a bit too sentimental for my taste at times. Some of the characters behave and talk in ways that can feel quite unrealistic, and I found the courtroom scenes a bit dragged out. But despite those, I still found myself completely drawn in.

What I loved most were the characters. They’re so well thought out,  complex, layered people with emotions and thoughts that go beyond just moving the plot forward. Kya in particular, is a character who stays with you. She’s resilient, intelligent, and deeply connected to the natural world around her. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Owens does an incredible job of bringing the marsh to life. I loved reading about Kya’s environment, her way of living, and her learning. 
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole book. 

All in all, Where the Crawdads Sing was a quick and enjoyable read for me. It’s not perfect, but it’s beautifully atmospheric, and it left me with a sense of quiet reflection.
Have you read it? What did you think? Did you love the marsh setting as much as I did, or did the hype fall flat for you? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena