Our last book of the year 2019 !
Blog written by Marty
Characters
Kya (Catherine Danielle Clark). The Marsh Girl
Tate (primary romantic interest)
Chase (considered the local hero)
Ma (mother)
Jodie (one of the brothers)
Pa (father)
Jumpin (local shop attendant and friend)
Mabel (his wife)
The book is a unique account of a young girl deserted by her entire family including her mother. Kya the main character cannot comprehend how a mother can leave a child ( even animals don't leave their young to fend for themselves). "this little piggy stayed home"
A truly hearty story of a small child left to care for herself (feed,cook,earn wash etc). With the help of her friend she learns to read and she educates herself through her incredible knowledge of the wild life and her affinity with the nature of the district.
The early part gives some description of her relationship with Pa before he leaves her totally isolated.
Most felt the book was well structured and neatly put together..some found the flashbacks were sometimes confusing when referring to the murder and subsequent trial. Part narrated in the 50s and story in the 60's.
The introduction of "who done it?" if it was a murder added intrigue to the story even though no attempt was made to describe how Chase may have met his death. "It was a mystery wrapped in glorious lyrical prose".
Was the verdict a surprise considering the village folk's attitude was prejudiced against Kya (the marsh girl).
When Tate found the shell necklace (that would have been the primary exhibit). After Kya's death did one feel perhaps justice was served?
"Was it sweet revenge?"
The majority of our book club (those that read the book) thoroughly enjoyed "Where the Crawdads Sings".
The language and description was delightful.
It was compelling reading even if at times not totally believable.
But it is a NOVEL (Fiction)
"Most of what she knew, she'd learned from the wild. Nature had nurtured, tutored and protected her when no one else would. If consequences resulted from her behaving differently, then they too were functions of life's fundamental core."
The author Delia Owens obviously has immense botanical and biological knowledge of the wild life in that marsh area.
I personally loved the quaint romantic courting touch of Tate leaving a feather for Kya
Crawdads refers to a type of crayfish in that area.
Score 8.5.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season and all the best for 2020!
