Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Where the Crawdads Sing

The book is beautifully written with a strong rapport between nature and humanity. One cannot help but root for the main character, Kya, through all of her trials and tribulations. The reader is kept on the edge of their throughout the second half of the book and is stunned by the end of the story. Somehow, the ending provides closure and more questions, further cementing Kya as an enigma, the Marsh Girl. Where the Crawdads Sing puts a lesser-discussed part of the US on display with a cast of complex, human characters alongside the marsh at it story's core.

Content Warnings

catherine_au1d's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

irammy's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed the majority of this book. Having studied biology I found the scientific and naturalist descriptions beautiful and interesting. Tate, Mabel and Jumping are (for the most part) wonderful humans. I often felt frustrated that Kya didn't make the most of the opportunities they (and others gave her). I understand it's because she's been isolated from an early age, but if she wasn't so "special", beautiful and smart she may have not have had many of these connections. My main grievance is with the ending and overarching message of the book.

The ending completely ruins the uplifting message about a community overcoming their prejudice against someone who is "different" (something we greatly need ATM) and instead focuses on how morals are a human construct and nature doesn't have the same morals we do. I could get past this if it wasn't for the context of the author and their family being wanted for questioning about the murder of a poacher. I personally don't think murder is ever justified, something that sets humans apart is our sense of community and morals.

Content Warnings

elliphant's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

katlinstirling_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Amazing read, my heart was breaking for Kya through most of this read and I couldn’t stop the tears. Compelling and beautifully written I adore this book. 5 STARS!!

Content Warnings