Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
OFF THE SHELF
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This month’s book was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Two stories are entwined into the main character of Kya, who grows up in the 50s in the marshes of North Carolina. Her mother walks out on her abusive, alcoholic father leaving her youngest child Kaya and her siblings in his care. One by one her siblings leave. There is a short period when her father tries to care for his young daughter, but he soon returns to his drinking and gambling, he abandons Kya leaving the seven-year-old to fend for herself in their remote shack. Ever resourceful, Kya becomes self-sufficient by growing her own vegetables and picking and selling mussels to local trader Jumpin’ and his wife who take her under their wing. Despised by the ‘respectable’ people of the nearest village where she is known as the filthy ‘marsh girl’ Kya keeps to herself and avoids going to school. Finding her mother’s water colours Kya paints the flora and fauna of her surroundings. Although illiterate Kya has become a knowledgeable naturalist. As a teenager she becomes friendly with Tate who teaches her to read and write. Kya goes on to write illustrated books on nature and becomes a popular writer. The second part of the story involves Chas a wealthy spoilt boy who takes advantage of her. The story ends with a surprising twist.
It’s difficult to believe that this brilliantly crafted story is the author’s first novel. It rapidly became a bestseller and is about to be made into a film. It transported us to a different place and time, and we were gripped by the poignant struggles and triumphs of this little girl. Most of us thought it was one of the best books we had read and gave it 9/10 points.