A review by irammy
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

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.
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