Where the Crawdads Sing

An immersive, unique, character- and setting-driven read.

The only significant criticism I have for this book is the narrative gets a bit wooden when it drifts away from the main protagonist. It also tends to be a bit too sentimental and overwrought. But on the whole, the story is very nearly perfect.

The world building is so visceral. The protagonist ages from 6 to adulthood and the author really immerses you into her mind and setting. You grow with her throughout her trials and tribulations . . . her cruel then caring education.

There is a murder mystery here and the story almost doesn't need it given how interesting the characters and setting are which makes this a compelling for reread. But the mystery is tense and keeps you at the edge of your seat to the end.

Oh! And the science! The book serves also as an exclamation of love for the natural world—a love for the small things, the overlooked things, by an overlooked girl— and expertly examines human behavior through the lens of a naturalist.

Just a fun and fantastic novel.