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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Meeting date: November 27, 2018 ;
Star rating: 4.1/5 stars

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.

Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Karen Russell, Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

Comments from attendees:
  • The jacket and blurb do not do this book justice!
  • Imagery is fantastic ; very cinematic
  • It's amazing how Kya survived in the marsh and surviving her life in general - wonderful character
  • Marsh became Kya's teacher, savior, protector, parent - it was the only thing not to leave her
  • Jumpin' is the BEST CHARACTER - total winner of the story
  • The big reveal was a reveal! So many avenues that caused doubt. It was masterful.
  • An authentic portrayal of loneliness
  • Discusses the effects of abuse on a family, a child, and a couple eloquently and without flowery
  • A *slow burn* - plot picks up at the trial
  • The attendees had so many emotion reactions to this story!
Lowest rating: 2 stars
Highest rating: 5 stars

Book Club Kit (courtesy of Delia Owens)
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