Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Fiction
2018 Penguin Audio
Read by Casandra Campbell
Finished on May 4, 2019
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
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.
It took me close to six weeks to listen to Delia Owens' debut novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. As is my usual fashion, I listen here and there on my walks or on a drive into town for groceries. But I don't listen as often as I used to when I was working at Barnes & Noble. Back then, I could listen to an audiobook for a couple of hours every day while stocking displays before the store opened. Now, it's a half hour here or an hour there. It wasn't until we were on our camping trip that I found time to listen in big chunks, walking for a couple of hours at a time, not wanting to stop until I absolutely had to.
I enjoyed Cassandra Campbell's narration of the novel and could easily envision the marsh setting and characters, which are exquisitely depicted in Owens' story. I had no trouble keeping track of the alternating time periods and enjoyed the mystery, was surprised by a few turns of events, and appreciated the lack of predictability. As much as I enjoyed the narration, I wish I had read this one in print, as I believe the lyricism would have shone through more vividly on the printed page, prompting me to highlight passages to share and remember. I think I'll recommend it to my book club and that will give me the nudge to read it again. I'm anxious to see what lies ahead for this talented author.
I listened to the audio and loved it. The story kept me glued to the book and it was on of my top 10 favorites of last year.
ReplyDeleteVicki, it was an engrossing audiobook, wasn't it?! I was glad to listen to the last two hours while walking at the beach.
DeleteI've read some mixed things about this book but still want to try it. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it. I have it in print so that's the way I'll read it.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I've read some mixed reviews, as well. I went back and forth with my rating, but finally settled on my first reaction after finishing and tried not to let the negative reviews influence my original thoughts. I hope you enjoy it, too.
DeleteThis book has certainly become popular. I've thought about scheduling it for the mystery group at a later date, but it will have to be a much later date. Lots of library copies, but the hold list is really, really long. I'll likely listen or read it at some point in the future. The author recently did an event at a new bookstore in our area. I was out of town so couldn't attend. The paper said it was a success.
ReplyDeleteKay, I enjoyed the mystery part of this novel quite a lot. It certainly kept me guessing right up to the last pages.
DeleteThe book reminded me a little bit of Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone, at least when I first started it, but this was much better, in my opinion. I came to care about the characters in this book and not so much with Hannah's characters. Hope you and your group enjoy it!
I recently read this and absolutely loved it. It was one of the best books I've read in a long while. After reading your thoughts on the audiobook, I'd like to listen to the narration as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteLaurel, somehow I thought this would be one you might enjoy. I'm hoping my book club will choose it for 2020, so I have an excuse to read it again.
DeleteMy book club in NY is reading this for May. I've downloaded the audio (my mother and sister loved it in print) in hopes that the meeting doesn't actually happen until early June when we're back. Maybe I'll try to get a print copy, too...
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I'm eager to hear how you wind up liking this. As time has passed, I feel like I should have given it a 4.5/5 rating. It is really quite good!
DeleteI've yet to hear anyone say they didn't like this. Must add it to my TBR list! But I'll take your advice and get a copy vs. audiobook.
ReplyDeleteIliana, one of my friends wasn't impressed with the book and after reading her comments on Goodreads, I started doubting my own impressions, but in spite of a few plot holes, I still found great enjoyment listening to the audio. I think either format (print or audio) would be enjoyable. Hope you like it!
DeleteI've heard mixed things about this book, all good, yes, but varying degrees of good. I haven't tried it yet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDeb - Yes, the reviews are mixed, but mostly in favor of the novel. I'm glad I read it and I find that I'm still thinking about the main character and setting.
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