Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – an SDG reflection

After seeing this novel on countless “recommended” readings lists, including Reese’s club, I decided to give it a go. To be honest, the setting of the story about the Southern lifestyle and marsh life did not pull me in right away. Besides, it’s controversial, but I’m not a big fan of two timelines, one from the past and one from the present coming together. As you can see, I’m writing about it now, which means the book deserves applause. From 1945 to 2009, Kya reminds me so much of Tara Westover’s “Educated” to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Abandoned at young living in a segregated society of white vs. black, Kya is remarkable is finding the rhythm to coexist with the marsh wilderness. She slowly rises from the pain and ultimately thrives and becomes a strong, independent woman and scientist. The motif of girls having to fight for themselves, I hope, will let us question assumptions, stereotypes and the status quo of why gender equality and education is not universally accepted. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are very ambitious in tackling these issues, and I’ve learned that we must act now, in our communities. I was fortunate enough to complete the Common Purpose course of learning about these goals and would urge everyone to learn about the goals.

Where the Crawdads sing also brings about the topic of relationships. With parents, siblings, friends, society and lovers. Kya’s relationship with her two love lines, mother, brother, and friendship with her “guardians” is profoundly real. Even at the end, when the murder trial is over, you sympathize with her. Trust in a relationship is vital, and human beings are weak at the golden rule. It is not treating others the way you want to be treated – it is to treat others the way they would like to be treated. Superimposing values and beliefs is a fundamental assumption that is ingrained in everyone – and I do this too, and I think it’s not a matter of right or wrong, just try and try-not.

Cheers,

Kelly