Audiobook, Historical Fiction

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

Where the Crawdads Sing

Kya Clark has never known anyplace other than the marshes around Barclay Cove, North Carolina. Her impoverished family splintered because of her abusive alcoholic father and eventually she was left alone at the tender age of eleven when he walked away and never returned. Kya managed to support herself by selling mussels to a kind owner of a marina and learned to read with the help of a friend. But more importantly, she learned about life through the ecology and wildlife in the marshes.

I don’t normally appreciate lots of descriptions about settings unless they are critical to the story and integrated expertly with the plots and characterizations. My instincts were to listen to this book instead of read it on my kindle app as I feared the marsh elements would overwhelm the story. I was right to listen to the book but for completely different reasons. The narrator, one of my favorites, brought the beautiful writing and imagery to life. Instead of being bored, I was enthralled. I could see the landscape that Kya saw, its beauty, sustenance and sanctuary amidst the poverty and bigotry of that era. The presentation was poetic in its delivery (I don’t normally like poetry!) and helped to create loveliness in Kya’s perspectives. Yes, this was expertly written.

It’s not all imagery because Kya’s story is fraught with disappointments, danger and ugliness along with her appreciation of her life in the marshes. Known as the “Marsh Girl” by the people in town, you can imagine how she was treated whenever she ventured into their midsts. People fear and ostracize what they don’t understand and Kya is definitely misunderstood. A childhood friend becomes her lifeline who knows her heart and captures his. He becomes a symbol for all those who can see beyond their discomfort with the unknown.

I loved this story that carried me through the course of Kya’s life and immersed me in her solitary world. The ending was one I foresaw but was still stunned by, leaving me reeling in the aftermath. I will always remember this character and story. I’ve a new appreciation for the satisfaction that can come from being alone when surrounded by natural beauty.

Book Info

  • Release Date: August 14, 2018
  • Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
  • Audio Length: 12 hours, 12 minutes
  • Publisher: Penguin Audio

 

 

 

 

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(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)

Published by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

56 thoughts on “Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens”

    1. I’ve had this audiobook for months and kept letting it slip. A friend of mine started a new face-to-face book club and this is the first book. I’m kicking myself for waiting this long. Right now, it tops my favorites list for the year and will be tough to beat.

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  2. Great review!
    I love beautiful descriptions of nature in books. They really help with atmosphere and setting and whatnot. Just listened to the sample – pretty good! Can’t wait to read this.

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. You really capture the essence of what this one is all about, Jonetta. And truly, I really must get around to reading it, as it seems to have touched so many readers for it’s depth and poetic nature.

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. Jonetta, I have this to read for review since it’s coming out in paperback and have been hesitant to begin for some reason. After reading your review, however, I cannot wait to begin. Wonderful write up for this one!

    Liked by 2 people

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  22. Amazing review Jonetta. I am so glad you loved this audiobook as much as I did. I felt totally immersed in this book when I listened to it. The narrator was amazing. 5 stars from me for sure.

    Liked by 2 people

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