Book Review - Where the Crawdads Sing/ ザリガニの鳴くところ - Delia Owens/ディーリア・オーウェンズ
A Haunting, Heartfelt Novel in Japanese
A Japanese Reading & Listening Experience with a Modern Classic
Where the Crawdads Sing (ザリガニの鳴くところ) by Delia Owens is a best-selling fiction novel that I recently read and listened to—in Japanese. Known globally for its emotional impact and lush descriptions of nature, this novel surprised me in the best way. It's not the kind of book I would typically choose in English, but experiencing it in Japanese turned it into something special and memorable.
Plot Summary: Nature, Loneliness, and Survival
The story centers on Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family and forced to grow up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. After her mother and siblings flee their abusive, alcoholic father, and he too eventually disappears, Kya is left to survive on her own in the swamp.
Far from a bleak tale, the novel beautifully traces Kya’s coming-of-age journey. She finds strength and purpose through her deep connection with the natural world around her—birds, shells, tides, and insects become her teachers. Her knowledge of nature later becomes her livelihood and identity.
Emotional Impact: A Surprising Page-Turner
Despite its slow, lyrical beginning, the book builds into a compelling emotional journey. It was, at times, heartbreaking—I’ll admit a few tears were shed. What really stuck with me was how real and raw Kya’s solitude felt. The book delivers a powerful emotional punch with plot turns that are sharp, satisfying, and sometimes unexpected.
I kept turning the pages late into the night, eager to know how things would unfold. For me, that’s the sign of a well-told story.
Language Learning Perspective: A Great Pick for Japanese Learners
For learners of Japanese, Where the Crawdads Sing (ザリガニの鳴くところ) is a rewarding and surprisingly accessible read. I listened to the Japanese Audible audiobook, and the female narrator’s voice is clear, well-paced, and emotionally expressive—making it easy to follow along without getting lost.In terms of difficulty, I would recommend this book for learners at JLPT N2 or N1 level. The grammar is generally straightforward, but there are some nature-related terms and emotional dialogue that require a solid vocabulary base. Intermediate learners (around upper N3) might still enjoy it with a dictionary or the audiobook to help guide comprehension.
*You may need an Audible Japan account to listen to this audiobook
📗 Amazon Paperback/Kindle Book
Final Thoughts
This is a book I’m really glad I read. It pulled me into a world I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. Whether you’re in it for the plot, the language practice, or the deep themes of loneliness, resilience, and love—Where the Crawdads Sing is worth your time.
If you’re studying Japanese and want an immersive story that combines literary value with accessible language, this is one of the best novels I’ve encountered so far.
