Owens lacks the art of subtle revelation in her narrative. It is examples like this last one that are most pervasive in the novel, and are the most egregious. A good editor would have placed that event earlier in the narrative when Kya talks about her abusive father and then let the scar itself identify the stranger. When Jodie shows up, Kya tells the story of how he got the scar on his cheek.And before you offer, “Well, she’s been reading text books…” remember that Owens is depicting her as someone who really knows her stuff, and we all know that the better you know a subject, the better your ability to talk about it in your own language. When Kya gives Chase the necklace with the unique shell, she says: “There are many of that genius here, but this particular species usually inhabits regions south of this latitude because these waters are too cool for them.” This is simply not how Kya talks.A loaf of Sunbeam – for sure – but no French bread. Really? A girl who has lived off of grits and mussels – just when and where did she experience French bread? I can promise you Jumpin’ wasn’t selling French bread in the tackle shop. When Kya packs a picnic for Tate early in their relationship, among other things, she packs French bread & cheese, saying it is her favorite picnic snack.I have written before about the disservice some editors do for their authors by not fixing blatant errors and problems, and Where the Crawdads Sing falls into that category as well. Here are just a few examples that irked me: That said, this is one of those times when I feel the world of opinions needs some balance. Second, in my deep appreciation of the written word, I’ll extend grace to most anything that encourages reading. Often it is books with the popularity of Where the Crawdads Sing that encourages someone to return to reading – and that’s a good thing. For one, I have not done the very hard work of finishing a novel, much less have had one published. The longer I have my book blog, the more reticent I am to write negative reviews. This review of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is for the small percentage of readers who didn’t like it – to let you know you’re not alone.
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