"The fog turned stubborn and lingered, twisting its tendrils around tree snags and low-lying limbs. The air was still; even the birds were quiet as she eased forward through the channel. Nearby, a clonk, clonk sounded as a slow-moving oar tapped a gunwale, and then a boat emerged ghoul-like from the haze."
For Kya Clark's entire life people have left her. First her mother, scarred by years of abuse from her husband, Kya's father. Then, one at a time, each of her siblings left as well in hopes of finding their own happiness, leaving the very young girl with her drunk and abusive father. But even he didn't stick around long. In the winter of 1956 ten-year-old Kya found herself living completely alone in the shack in the marsh. Having never been to school or properly socialized, Kya kept to the marshes and out of town. Her only friends were Jumpin', a kind, older gentleman that owned a small marina, and his wife.
Over the years Kya finds herself involved with two different boys. In 1969 one of them is found lying in the mud below the fire tower, dead from the fall. The sheriff's department, as well as the town, suspect foul play and all eyes turn towards Kya, the quiet and odd girl who lives in the marsh.
Where the Crawdads Sing is the first novel by Delia Owens and it is delightful. The sad, but beautiful coming-of-age story of a young girl cast out by society, abandoned by family, and forced to live in isolation. The character of Kya is lovable from the very first pages. She's strong and independent, but she's also soft and timid. She overcomes everything life has thrown at her.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the authors attention to detail. The description of the plants and life in the marsh put the reader right into the story. Kya has such a passion for her marsh and so much understanding of the life within it. She collects feathers and shells and understands the world around her. Delia Owens does a fantastic job of creating that world for her readers.
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