In her debut novel, "Where The Crawdads Sing", Delia Owens paints an incredible picture of a resilient young woman who, despite all odds, is able to not only survive but thrive.

This isn't the type of book I'm usually drawn to, but after having it recommended to me by a few different people, I decided to see what all the buzz was about.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" follows Kya, a young girl who, after being abandoned by her family at the age of six, finds the strength and resilience to raise herself off the land in the marshlands of North Carolina.

Given the name "Marsh Girl" by the town's residents, Kya is looked down upon as trash all throughout her childhood. As she becomes a woman, her beauty attracts the attention of two men; first Tate, her childhood love; and later on, Chase, who is there for all of the wrong reasons.

As Kya grows into an adult, she is able to publish several scientific reference books of seashells, plants, and animals with Tate's help. However, when Chase is murdered, she immediately becomes a prime suspect.

This novel encompasses fifty plus years, going back in time to show readers Kya's childhood, while also following the timeline of her involvement in Chase's murder trial.

Owens' novel, which takes place primarily in the 1950s and 60s, paints an incredible picture of a young girl determined to rise who, despite all odds, manages to become an educated and intelligent woman.

One of the most incredible aspects of "Where The Crawdads Sing" is how real Kya's emotions felt to me as I progressed through the novel. In my opinion, this can be attributed to the fact that Owens' herself spent almost a decade as a conservationist in one of the most remote parts of Africa.

Having experienced this type of isolation and loneliness, Owens is able to write about it in a particularly breathtaking and beautiful way.

Overall, I can truthfully say that this was one of the most moving novels that I've ever read. I wished for more of Kya's story as soon as I finished the book since I wanted to continue to live in the world Owens had created for as long as possible.

If you're looking for an enthralling and poignant novel that examines the nuances of isolation, societal expectations, and the power of love, this is an excellent choice.