Let’s start with a warning. I have been very slothful about blogging my reviews of books recently. I suppose I have enjoyed reading a bit more than writing about my thoughts. On this chilly Saturday afternoon, it seems like the perfect time to play a little catch up. I apologize to those of you who have subscribed to this blog for the three posts you will (hopefully) receive in rather rapid succession.
On January 29, I finished my final reading challenge book for the month of January. Where the Crawdads Sing represented a book that is the basis for a 2022 movie release. The film by Sony Pictures is currently scheduled to be released on July 22, 2022.
I had high hopes for this novel. Everyone had been raving about what an amazing story it was. By the time I finished it, I simply said “ehhh.” It wasn’t horrible; I just found some of the plot points confusing. Kya was a black girl? I didn’t grab that fact until well into the novel. Does it matter to the plot? Not really. I think the bigger issue was the abject poverty she faced, not the color of her skin. I was rather offended with her race became such an issue of contention in the novel. Why had this not been a theme throughout if it was going to be so important? I also found the time shifts abrupt and unseemly. I understand that Owens was using a familiar literary device. I just don’t think it was effective. Rather than building suspense and unraveling the mystery gradually, the constant shifts of scenes and settings only made me seasick.
I’m not going to rule out reading other works by Owens. I’m hearing from others who were also let down by Crawdads that they really enjoyed reading some of her other works. I’m just happy to know that I am not alone when I give this work a disappointed thumbs down.
Reading for Me 
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