Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (paperback)

"Where the Crawdads Sing" is a novel written by Delia Owens, published in 2018. It is a work of fiction that falls within the genres of mystery, coming-of-age, and literary fiction. The novel is set in the marshes of North Carolina and follows the life of Kya Clark, a young girl who grows up in isolation in the wild, earning her the nickname "Marsh Girl" from the townspeople. Abandoned by her family at a young age, Kya learns to survive on her own in the marsh, forging a deep connection with nature and the creatures that inhabit it. As Kya matures into a young woman, she becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding the death of a local man, Chase Andrews, whose body is found in the marsh. The townspeople suspect Kya of being involved in his death, leading to a trial that uncovers long-buried secrets and truths about Kya's past. The title "Where the Crawdads Sing" refers to a remote spot in the marsh where Kya finds solace and connection to the natural world. It symbolizes Kya's resilience, strength, and independence, as well as the themes of longing, belonging, and the search for identity that permeate the novel. Overall, "Where the Crawdads Sing" is a poignant and atmospheric story that explores themes of love, loss, prejudice, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. It has garnered widespread acclaim for its vivid prose, compelling characters, and evocative portrayal of the natural world.