Book Review - Where the Crawdads Sing/ ザリガニの鳴くところ - Delia Owens/ディーリア・オーウェンズ

Book Review - Where the Crawdads Sing (ザリガニの鳴くところ) by Delia Owens is a novel that I read and listened to in Japanese. It is a fiction novel whose main protagonist, Kya Clark, is a young girl when she is abandoned by her family. The story follows Kya as she grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina finding her way to survive through her knowledge of nature and the swamp's wildlife. The plot places Kya isolated alone in the swamp when her beloved mother and siblings leave home due to the family's abusive and alcoholic father who also soon departs.

The story then turns to Kya's survival in the swamps as she learns from nature and eventually finds a livelihood through her intimate knowledge of the swamp's wildlife. Jeopardy enters when she draws the attention of the local arrogant Chase and the kind working class Tate. 

This is a book I would not normally read if it were in English but I am really glad I read it as it was a moving story that had me wanting to read more. The story was surprisingly emotional and I'll admit I dropped a few tears during some moments. It was a page turner and the story was heartfelt and memorable. 

Overall, Where the Crawdads Sing has a great story and the plot turns are sharp, satisfying and pull an emotional punch. For Japanese learners - the Audible book's female narrator is easy to listen to and the language of the book is not too challenging to follow for (high) intermediate or advanced learners.

Audible Japanese link -https://bit.ly/wherethecrawdads