The dead body in the opening pages of this book, the accusation for it and the subsequent court case are the perfect backdrop for the classic work of art that is this book. It reads like a cross between Walden and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Beautiful, immersive prose reels one into the story of the protagonist (Kya). Kya is made even more compelling because she comes with all of the most human contradictions. She is strong yet vulnerable and lonely, afraid but not too afraid to be brave. She chooses and learns to be strong. She finds companionship in nature, in the birds, insects, mud, ocean because she isn’t given any other option. She grieves the rejections and humiliation she has suffered at the hands of numerous people but doesn’t wallow in the misery. There is a resilience that Kya displays that inspires without coming across as trite preaching.
Kya’s sense of being all alone in the world with no one to rely on but yourself is especially relatable in the current climate of a global pandemic and mandatory isolation. I am glad I read this book now because Kya’s practical acceptance of her circumstances despite a yearning for human connection and her ability to form deep connections with all of the nature around her in the absence of other company has infused me with much needed strength and belief to not only cope with the current situation but also find little things to appreciate and enjoy every day.
The other central character in this book is the marsh. Described with minute attention to detail with the language of poems and songs brings the marsh to life more than anyone else except Kya. This made me really happy because often fiction can convey something more effectively than years of in your face news articles and scientific papers. The fact that Kya’s marsh has such a substantial role in the book goes a long way in subtly inculcating the environmental value of marsh land and the urgent need to protect such areas.
There is so much packed into this book and still at no point did I feel overwhelmed by it. Another aspect Ms. Owens tackles admirably our habit of judging people on the basis of their appearance, where they live, etc. and sidelining them if they don’t meet our pre-programmed expectations. For Kya this kind of judgement and the resulting ridicule becomes a vicious cycle that leaves her more isolated and lonelier than ever. Once again this is depicted with honesty and without apology or excuses for either side. Hopefully it has and will continue to spark much required debate, discussions and efforts to relate to our fellow humans in a more humane manner.
If it hasn’t been obvious throughout this write-up, I will state it here. I loved this book and very highly recommend it.
Publication Year: 2018
Country book is based in: USA
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