
This is such a special book, full of nature and emotion. It’s set in the marshes of North Carolina, and the descriptions gave me such a detailed picture of the setting – it really is beautifully written. It is one of the best books I’ve ever read – a surprise given without recommendation I wouldn’t have picked it up. Kya is a wonderful character that had my heart immediately – I wanted to rescue her and protect her from all the people that harmed her during her life. I was also charmed by the emphasis on the natural world – I love wildlife and being out in nature so it was perfect to have a book with so much detail in that sense. Delia’s background really shone through in terms of authenticity.
Star rating: 5 stars

Catherine Daniellie Clark – known as Kya since she was small, lives alone in her shack in the marsh. Abandoned by every member of her family as she was growing up (abusive, alcoholic father drove her mother and siblings away and then left himself), Kya learns to fend for herself for a young age. She trades mussels for money and when this dries up, trades smoked fish for essentials. She learns about her environment, and makes friends with a kind boy called Tate, who teaches her to read and shares his old books with her.
Kya is so intelligent, throwing herself into reading and using her new found skill to educate herself. She’s a talented artist, carefully recording all of the species around her, documenting their characteristics. When Tate leaves for college, he doesn’t visit her, leaving her heartbroken. She is drawn into the web of Chase Andrews, a popular boy, a jerk, and a terrible human who I hated so much. Kya deserves the world and more, not some horrible man using her and promising her things he’ll never give.
This is a gripping story, from it’s exploration of nature and character, to a thrilling murder trial that had me on edge for the duration. Race and class are explored throughout the plot. The ending is heartbreaking, not so surprising on reflection, and definitely fitting. I loved this story, it is a very unique book. I highly recommend it even if it doesn’t seem like it would be your thing.
You can check out my friend Jaye’s 5 star review here.

Really glad you enjoyed it so much!
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I’m caught by the use of crawdads in the title, rather than the more accepted crayfish or other variants. Crawdad was the term we used up in Ohio for the small freshwater crustaceans, and it seems to convey the gritty life and survival of the story itself. As for their singing? Now I’m really intrigued.
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I’m reading this month and now it will be in honor to you ❤
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I hope you love it 💞
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A friend had recommended this book to me as highly as you have. I started to read it but found it painfully sad. Reading your review though, I’m thinking I should pick it up again.
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This has been on my TBR for ages, and I think your review has just convinced me! 😊
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I’m glad to see you loved this book so much. I have it but haven’t picked it up yet. It sounds like I need to! 🙂
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I loved this book, I didn’t expect to have the emotional response to it that I did. Very few books do that.
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I absolutely loved this book! It’s one of the few books that had me bawling while reading.
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Thanks for checking out my blog! Means a lot to me. I am very new here, kinda lost.
I love your blog! 🙂
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I love this book.
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I need to get this. I’ve read so many good reviews.
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