This was by far one of the best books I read in 2018. I found myself falling in love with the characters, and I could just picture them going around the marsh. This book manages to romanticize the nature of the south while showing the harmful attitudes of the people. This book made me feel like I was able to steal a peak into the world my grandfather grew up in, as he confirmed this book reflected his experience as a man born in Louisiana in the 40s. Owen’s portrayal is ultimately as breath taking as the town’s treatment of Kya is heartbreaking. I could not recommend this read more. I still swear I can here the noises of the wildlife and see the lightning bugs flying through the air when I think of this story