The Pre-Loved edit from Shopbop
To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-45% $9.90
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$9.90 with 45 percent savings
List Price: $18.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Thursday, January 23. Order within 23 hrs 32 mins.
In Stock
$$9.90 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.90
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$7.11
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery February 3 - 8 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery February 3 - 5
$$9.90 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.90
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club Paperback – March 30, 2021

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 633,099 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$9.90","priceAmount":9.90,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"90","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"OslMq%2Fj9Ld%2B51vTv5%2FMjn1c%2F4TedcQaI7hpbaF%2FHbeTSJAzjuvKOR9dOwZ0Toc8ELEJiX%2BwNmVH71trpUdSWwc98KbeCByO5UcAb9z7wwXJWkWwlLmLLhrC%2F9DtQUHUbqqYZF%2FZOCVb9KnGC7qM1zg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$7.11","priceAmount":7.11,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"11","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"OslMq%2Fj9Ld%2B51vTv5%2FMjn1c%2F4TedcQaILb7QtHzRerpYRjy3jIQ0cdAz%2BwIg%2BMuEC6q002TYib%2BmuAputytbhtLZGNPOTUKD4XLtEPEeqVDZkSm9SQO6gBXASFOsrDbVcBFRjWa%2FTvPj%2BdpsK%2Bxq1lsx9myRLUzWPdCpvUXHRkzGudGNj26ypd8N9XSqPvk8","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE—The #1 New York Times bestselling worldwide sensation with more than 18 million copies sold, hailed by The New York Times Book Review as “a painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative and a celebration of nature.”

New York Times Readers Pick: 100 Best Books of the 21st Century 

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.

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.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club
$9.90
Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.99
Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.08
Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 27
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.
Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

Now In Paperback. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

A Global Sensation

"Painfully Beautiful" - The New York Times Book Review

"The #1 New York Times Bestselling Phenomenon"

A Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine Pick

Soon To Be a Major Motion Picture

"I can't even express how much I loved this book!" - Reese Witherspoon

Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
633,099
4.8 out of 5 stars
50
Price $17.82 $13.96
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition Where the Crawdads Sing 1000-piece Puzzle

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative and a celebration of nature....Owens here surveys the desolate marshlands of the North Carolina coast through the eyes of an abandoned child. And in her isolation that child makes us open our own eyes to the secret wonders—and dangers—of her private world.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Steeped in the rhythms and shadows of the coastal marshes of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this fierce and hauntingly beautiful novel centers on...Kya’s heartbreaking story of learning to trust human connections, intertwine[d] with a gripping murder mystery, revealing savage truths. An astonishing debut.”—
People

“This lush mystery is perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver.”—
Bustle

“A lush debut novel, Owens delivers her mystery wrapped in gorgeous, lyrical prose. It’s clear she’s from this place—the land of the southern coasts, but also the emotional terrain—you can feel it in the pages.  A magnificent achievement, ambitious, credible and very timely.”—Alexandra Fuller,
New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight

“Heart-wrenching...A fresh exploration of isolation and nature from a female perspective along with a compelling love story.”—
Entertainment Weekly

“This wonderful novel has a bit of everything—mystery, romance, and fascinating characters, all told in a story that takes place in North Carolina.”—Nicholas Sparks, New York Times bestselling author of Every Breath

“Delia Owen’s gorgeous novel is both a coming-of-age tale and an engrossing whodunit.”—
Real Simple

“Evocative...Kya makes for an unforgettable heroine.”—
Publishers Weekly

“The New Southern novel...A lyrical debut.”
Southern Living

“A nature-infused romance with a killer twist.”—
Refinery29

“Anyone who liked The Great Alone will want to read Where the Crawdads Sing....This astonishing debut is a beautiful and haunting novel that packs a powerful punch. It’s the first novel in a long time that made me cry.”—Kristin Hannah, author ofThe Great AloneandThe Nightingale

“Both a coming-of-age story and a mysterious account of a murder investigation told from the perspective of a young girl...Through Kya’s story, Owens explores how isolation affects human behavior, and the deep effect that rejection can have on our lives.”—Vanity Fair

“Lyrical...Its appeal ris[es] from Kya’s deep connection to the place where makes her home, and to all of its creatures.”—
Booklist

“This beautiful, evocative novel is likely to stay with you for many days afterward....absorbing.”AARP 

“This haunting tale captivates every bit as much for its crime drama elements as for the humanity at its core.” —
Mystery & Suspense Magazine

“Compelling, original...A mystery, a courtroom drama, a romance and a coming-of-age story, Where the Crawdads Sing is a moving, beautiful tale. Readers will remember Kya for a long, long time.”ShelfAwareness

“With prose luminous as a low-country moon, Owens weaves a compelling tale of a forgotten girl in the unforgiving coastal marshes of North Carolina. It is a murder mystery/love story/courtroom drama that readers will love, but the novel delves so much deeper into the bone and sinew of our very nature, asking often unanswerable questions, old and intractable as the marsh itself. A stunning debut!”
Christopher Scotton, author of The Secret Wisdom of the Earth

“A compelling mystery with prose so luminous it can cut through the murkiest of pluff mud.”—
Augusta Chronicle

“Carries the rhythm of an old time ballad. It is clear Owens knows this land intimately, from the black mud sucking at footsteps to the taste of saltwater and the cry of seagulls.”David Joy, author of The Line That Held Us

About the Author

Delia Owens is the coauthor of three internationally bestselling nonfiction books about her life as a wildlife scientist in Africa. She holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Georgia and a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California at Davis. She has won the John Burroughs Award for Nature Writing and has been published in Nature, The African Journal of Ecology, and International Wildlife, among many others. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina. Where the Crawdads Sing is her first novel.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ G.P. Putnam's Sons; Standard Edition (March 30, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0735219109
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735219106
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.46 x 0.82 x 8.17 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 633,099 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Delia Owens
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Delia Owens is the co-author of three internationally bestselling nonfiction books about her life as a wildlife scientist in Africa including Cry of the Kalahari.

She has won the John Burroughs Award for Nature Writing and has been published in Nature, The African Journal of Ecology, and many others.

She currently lives in Idaho. Where the Crawdads Sing is her first novel.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
633,099 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the story compelling and engaging. They praise the descriptive prose and vivid imagery that creates a vivid world of the marsh. The book draws them in with its intriguing plot and unexpected twists and turns. Readers identify with the characters and find them easy to understand. The emotional content is poignant and heartwarming.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

27,871 customers mention "Story quality"27,429 positive442 negative

Customers enjoyed the compelling story set in the marshes of North Carolina. They found it a stunning debut novel that showcased Delia Owens' writing talent. The second read was even better, with laughter and tears. Readers describe the book as amazing, well-written, and heartwarming.

"i loved this book so much, set in the marshes of north carolina, it’s the story of kya clark, the “marsh girl,” who’s left to fend for herself after..." Read more

"...marsh itself and its many inhabitants, including Kya, is worth the price of the book yet the reader gets all these bonuses: a mystery, human survival..." Read more

"...Overall, Where the Crawdads Sing is a stunning debut novel that showcases Delia Owens' talent for storytelling and her deep understanding of human..." Read more

"...I just HAD to find out how it ended! It was a compelling read, and yet it vacillated between being a fascinating character study and a..." Read more

9,468 customers mention "Writing quality"8,885 positive583 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They find it descriptive and poetic, vividly describing the landscape and making the marsh a character in its own right. The author has an appreciation for poetry and opera, and is proficient at writing.

"...kya’s connection with the wild around her is so beautifully written, and the way she grows up alone in nature is both heartbreaking and..." Read more

"...relations contrasted with extraordinary naturalist behavior and descriptions and an aching heart for all the Kya's of the world...." Read more

"...blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements into a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story...." Read more

"...a post-doctoral career, but he (and his father) have an appreciation for poetry and opera...." Read more

7,012 customers mention "Interest"6,562 positive450 negative

Customers find the book engaging and descriptive. They describe it as an addictive read that draws them in with its intriguing plot. The author does a good job of capturing their attention right from the start, making it a great reading experience.

"...it’s a mystery thriller but also a tender coming-of-age story, with a deep love for nature interwoven throughout...." Read more

"...worth the price of the book yet the reader gets all these bonuses: a mystery, human survival, human relations contrasted with extraordinary..." Read more

"...Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a breathtaking novel that effortlessly blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements into a beautifully..." Read more

"...story of this unusual, resourceful, fascinating young girl, is the murder mystery, hints of which are woven throughout the book, but culminate in a..." Read more

6,107 customers mention "Twists and turns"4,809 positive1,298 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging plot twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats. They find the ending well-structured and the courtroom drama surprising. The book is described as a suspenseful, well-described family drama with an excellent trial scene. It's perfect for anyone who loves stories about overcoming adversity with a blend of mystery and romance.

"...it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about overcoming adversity with a blend of mystery and romance...." Read more

"...The plot twists and turns are engaging and well-crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the mystery alongside Kya...." Read more

"...wanting to find out the story of this unusual, resourceful, fascinating young girl, is the murder mystery, hints of which are woven throughout the..." Read more

"...looking for a story that beautifully intertwines nature and the human spirit. Highly recommended!" Read more

4,094 customers mention "Character development"3,851 positive243 negative

Customers find the characters compelling and relatable. They identify with the protagonist's struggles and find her background interesting. The story's main character is young and her family is on the fringes of society.

"...Her character is compelling and multifaceted, and her struggle for survival and acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring...." Read more

"...a compelling read, and yet it vacillated between being a fascinating character study and a somewhat cliched romance novel...." Read more

"...characters challenged by real-life issues, with the characters' basic motivations well described and integrated into a story of how the characters..." Read more

"...atmospheric natural landscape descriptions and interesting characters with unique experiences, as well as literary prose, I recommend Swamplandia by..." Read more

3,314 customers mention "Emotional content"2,940 positive374 negative

Customers find the book moving and touching. They say it's poignant, heartwarming, and soul-healing. The book provides great insight into the human psyche with interesting characters and an engaging setting that engages all senses. It touches on sensitive subjects like child abuse, racism, and hatred.

"...if you’re looking for a book that’s beautifully written and emotionally gripping, you have to read where the crawdads sing...." Read more

"...The writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a rich tapestry of the marshland and its inhabitants...." Read more

"...Kya's journey from isolation to yearning for connection is heartbreaking and powerful, revealing the complexities of human emotions and the primal..." Read more

"Wow! This book is very well written, and it left me with a lot of different emotions. 100% 5 STARS. Everyone should read this. Literally, everyone...." Read more

2,228 customers mention "Visual quality"2,209 positive19 negative

Customers enjoy the vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and atmosphere. They appreciate the author's love for nature and how Kya identifies with it. The book brings nature to life with beautiful illustrations, and explores many themes including family, loyalty, love, and healing.

"...but also a tender coming-of-age story, with a deep love for nature interwoven throughout...." Read more

"...Owens masterfully brings Kya’s world to life with vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and a deep, atmospheric narrative that immerses you..." Read more

"...She observes nature, collects its artifacts, especially bird feathers and shells, and records her findings—this despite the fact that she does not..." Read more

"...to know Kay's world too; the marsh and all of its creatures and natural wonders. I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come." Read more

2,873 customers mention "Pacing"1,851 positive1,022 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it engaging and flowing, while others feel the story drags out a bit in the middle.

"...Kya’s coming-of-age story with a suspenseful murder mystery, is expertly handled...." Read more

"...presents serious evidence against her, but the evidence isn't quite strong enough to obtain a guilty verdict from the jury (beyond reasonable doubt)...." Read more

"...It also evokes the South of an earlier era, and it grabbed me from the first page and never let go until the last word...." Read more

"...It was a very easy read that just flew by and was quite engaging from beginning to end." Read more

5🌟
5 out of 5 stars
5🌟
i loved this book so much, set in the marshes of north carolina, it’s the story of kya clark, the “marsh girl,” who’s left to fend for herself after her family abandons her. kya’s connection with the wild around her is so beautifully written, and the way she grows up alone in nature is both heartbreaking and inspiring.i have to admit, when i first started reading, i struggled a bit with the dialect. but after doing a little research on the accents of that time and place, i found myself slipping right into it, which made the reading experience even richer. owens does such a beautiful job of pulling you into the setting and era.what i loved most is how delia owens weaves together kya’s coming-of-age story with a mystery that keeps you hooked. it’s a mystery thriller but also a tender coming-of-age story, with a deep love for nature interwoven throughout. the themes of survival, resilience, and the deep bond between humans and nature really resonated with me. reading about kya’s journey felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. i cried (ugly cried!!!), i smiled, and my heart ached for her. it’s impossible not to root for kya as she overcomes so much hardship.the romance in the story adds a tender, sweet layer that feels so genuine. it really got to me. (oh, tate❤️) there’s a quiet strength in kya that i found incredibly empowering, almost like reading a memoir of surviving against all odds.if you’re looking for a book that’s beautifully written and emotionally gripping, you have to read where the crawdads sing. it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about overcoming adversity with a blend of mystery and romance. this book has definitely earned a spot in my top favorites. and yes, i watched the movie too—it was amazing—but seriously, the book is always better! 🥹🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
    i loved this book so much, set in the marshes of north carolina, it’s the story of kya clark, the “marsh girl,” who’s left to fend for herself after her family abandons her. kya’s connection with the wild around her is so beautifully written, and the way she grows up alone in nature is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

    i have to admit, when i first started reading, i struggled a bit with the dialect. but after doing a little research on the accents of that time and place, i found myself slipping right into it, which made the reading experience even richer. owens does such a beautiful job of pulling you into the setting and era.

    what i loved most is how delia owens weaves together kya’s coming-of-age story with a mystery that keeps you hooked. it’s a mystery thriller but also a tender coming-of-age story, with a deep love for nature interwoven throughout. the themes of survival, resilience, and the deep bond between humans and nature really resonated with me. reading about kya’s journey felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. i cried (ugly cried!!!), i smiled, and my heart ached for her. it’s impossible not to root for kya as she overcomes so much hardship.

    the romance in the story adds a tender, sweet layer that feels so genuine. it really got to me. (oh, tate❤️) there’s a quiet strength in kya that i found incredibly empowering, almost like reading a memoir of surviving against all odds.

    if you’re looking for a book that’s beautifully written and emotionally gripping, you have to read where the crawdads sing. it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about overcoming adversity with a blend of mystery and romance. this book has definitely earned a spot in my top favorites. and yes, i watched the movie too—it was amazing—but seriously, the book is always better! 🥹

    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5🌟
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
    i loved this book so much, set in the marshes of north carolina, it’s the story of kya clark, the “marsh girl,” who’s left to fend for herself after her family abandons her. kya’s connection with the wild around her is so beautifully written, and the way she grows up alone in nature is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

    i have to admit, when i first started reading, i struggled a bit with the dialect. but after doing a little research on the accents of that time and place, i found myself slipping right into it, which made the reading experience even richer. owens does such a beautiful job of pulling you into the setting and era.

    what i loved most is how delia owens weaves together kya’s coming-of-age story with a mystery that keeps you hooked. it’s a mystery thriller but also a tender coming-of-age story, with a deep love for nature interwoven throughout. the themes of survival, resilience, and the deep bond between humans and nature really resonated with me. reading about kya’s journey felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. i cried (ugly cried!!!), i smiled, and my heart ached for her. it’s impossible not to root for kya as she overcomes so much hardship.

    the romance in the story adds a tender, sweet layer that feels so genuine. it really got to me. (oh, tate❤️) there’s a quiet strength in kya that i found incredibly empowering, almost like reading a memoir of surviving against all odds.

    if you’re looking for a book that’s beautifully written and emotionally gripping, you have to read where the crawdads sing. it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about overcoming adversity with a blend of mystery and romance. this book has definitely earned a spot in my top favorites. and yes, i watched the movie too—it was amazing—but seriously, the book is always better! 🥹

    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2019
    I loved this extraordinary book. Ms. Owens draws pictures with words that rivals paintbrush on canvas. In fact, the book is one long canvas of beautifully written words, page after page. One can feel Kya's isolation and pain, smell the marsh grasses and palmettos all while sneaking peeks at Big Red. I grew up with the adage "different strokes for different folks" so not everyone will enjoy WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. Unfortunately, it is a tragedy that reading the classics (in addition to more entertaining "beach reads") is no longer a requirement or is not as strong as it once was. Reading many voices and genres contributes to an appreciation that staring at text messages won't necessarily satisfy.

    To be clear this is fiction and fiction always, always requires some suspending of belief. In this book, there are no car chases or major escape scenes or near misses for the detective or blown up cars so if action-packed is what one enjoys, then this book doubtless would not suit those readers. On the other hand consider this small literary passage from WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING:

    "She stared at dust motes, dancing silently in one direction as though following some dreamy leader. When they hit the shadows, they vanished. Without the sun they are nothing."

    I've seen dust motes many a time so I marvel that an author can give such personality to them! Of course, most of the beautiful words revolve around the marsh and its inhabitants, Kya, her family, her loneliness and her feelings and the townspeople not dust motes. However, that snippet is classic to how well written this book is all throughout. Of note Asheville is not as close to the coast as some other North Carolina cities but Asheville is surrounded by mountains, an attraction held out to Kya (a full day trip she is told), plus her paternal grandparents reportedly lived there (not a spoiler).

    The mystery is handled perfectly. But that mystery is only one element of the book. It is so much more than that. Kya is not the first young child (real or imagined) who had to (has to) survive against many odds: in Kya's instance, the erratic Monday money for food while still a child just to name one. Other discussion points such as whether or not it's fire flies or lightning bugs is so beside the point IMO since it depends on where one grew up. We called them lightning bugs but out of town relatives called them fire flies. They are the same insect and very entertaining to watch. Kya tells us much about these insects that I did not know and this information fit into the story. (BTW, there is a great show in the Smokies put on by lightning bugs (fire flies) during their mating season. People actually take chairs and go watch!) Aside from quibbles about southernisms (LOL) some have, the book holds one's attention from beginning to end. The ending was perfect. It suited the book I believe. This book has earned its 5-star rating and I hope Ms. Owens writes another book soon.

    Finally, the descriptions of the marsh itself and its many inhabitants, including Kya, is worth the price of the book yet the reader gets all these bonuses: a mystery, human survival, human relations contrasted with extraordinary naturalist behavior and descriptions and an aching heart for all the Kya's of the world. Highly recommended for those who like a great story interwoven amongst beautiful, haunting words. I won't remember that blown up car in a beach read beyond next week even though the book was fun to read but WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING will live with me (and other readers) for a very long time. An extraordinary book!
    37 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a breathtaking novel that effortlessly blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements into a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story. Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick lives up to its high expectations and then some!

    The novel follows Kya Clark, the enigmatic "Marsh Girl" who grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina. Owens masterfully brings Kya’s world to life with vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and a deep, atmospheric narrative that immerses you fully in the setting. The writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a rich tapestry of the marshland and its inhabitants.

    Kya’s journey from an abandoned child to a resilient young woman is portrayed with such depth and sensitivity. Her character is compelling and multifaceted, and her struggle for survival and acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The relationships she forms throughout the novel, particularly those with Tate Walker and Chase Andrews, are complex and add layers of emotional depth to the story.

    The dual narrative, which weaves together Kya’s coming-of-age story with a suspenseful murder mystery, is expertly handled. The plot twists and turns are engaging and well-crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the mystery alongside Kya. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.

    Overall, Where the Crawdads Sing is a stunning debut novel that showcases Delia Owens' talent for storytelling and her deep understanding of human emotions and nature. It’s a novel that resonates long after the last page is turned. For anyone who loves a beautifully written story with rich characters and a captivating plot, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for its emotional depth, exquisite prose, and unforgettable narrative!
    13 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Rochelle's Reading Recommends
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most of all, I loved Kya’s story...
    Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2024
    I am late to the party on this one and almost didn’t read it because, well, everyone has been reading “Where the Crawdads Sing” and I already saw the movie. But a good friend convinced me to give this one a chance. And oh my, was she right! I loved “Where the Crawdads Sing” from its pacing, characterization, poetic depiction of the marsh, and beautiful storytelling. Most of all, I loved Kya’s story: her sheer determination, her perseverance (not unlike that of the marsh), her brilliance, and the family she managed to build around herself against all odds. My heart aches for sweet Kya and I cheered at all of her small victories that meant she would survive. I fell in love with the Marsh Girl and Tate; with Jumpin and Mabel; with Jodie and Tom Milton. I celebrated all those little ways we later learn where the people of Barkley Cove were in Kya’s corner, despite the fact she never knew. Throughout the whole narrative, and still, I wanted to tour the southern states and delve deep into the marshlands to explore the beautiful fauna and flora that captured Kya’s heart and sustained her. And oh, I wish I could read Kya’s notes and see her artwork in person.
    Its a beautifully written novel. And despite knowing in large part what was going to happen from watching the movie, I was still caught unaware at times and was thoroughly engaged in the narrative. In fact, the last 150 pages (the entire novel is less than 370 pages) I read in one sitting and had a short night of sleep as a result. I love when a novel pulls me in like that. I’m happy to report that in my opinion, “Where the Crawdads Sing” lived up to all the hype and I highly recommend devouring it soon if you haven’t already.

    <This edition also includes a book club discussion guide and an interview with author, Delia Owens.>

    Rochelle's Reading Recommends (Instagram and Facebook)
  • anne_lune
    5.0 out of 5 stars Genial libro. Gran final
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 27, 2023
    Si aún no decides si ver la película o leer el libro, debes leer el libro. Te lleva de vívidas descripciones de escenarios naturales de la Costa de Estados Unidos junto con una historia con altibajos de emociones hasta el seguimiento de un juicio bien presentado y argumentado. Después de leerlo, estarás listo para la película.
  • Sara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in Sweden on September 13, 2024
    Great book and a wonderful cover
  • raffestin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Envoûtant
    Reviewed in France on March 30, 2024
    Cadre, histoire , intrigue etc très éloignés de notre vie mais on s’y abandonne avec un grand plaisir
  • C*****
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good quality
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on August 25, 2024
    Received mine in good condition.