This is not normally a book I would pick up, and I only did after watching a favorite booktuber actually say they didn't like it...and I loved it. I know there's a lot of issues surrounding Delia Owens herself, but my review will not have anything to do with that. This review is not Delia Owens but this story.

I don't normally read or like books that go between time/year swaps or from different ages and this completely changed my mind on that. I loved reading the perspective of young Kya, being abandoned by her family and having to survive on her own, making friends with the marsh animals, and I loved reading the perspective of present Kya.

Delia wrote the characters so well, there was a heavy feeling even in happy moments, and I think that reflects Kya's persistent loneliness just right. All of the characters seem to show very palpable emotions, so much so that some scenes tug at your heart or upset you, and it feels so real.

My favorite detailing in this book is by far how Delia paints the images of the marsh. She's so descriptive when she talks about the birds, the smells, the plants, the sounds, the textures, and I was able to completely lose myself in the story. If I closed my eyes, I could see the marsh perfectly and it's beautiful.

This book does need a trigger warning or content warning for abuse, sexual assault, and rape. Thankfully, there aren't many details, but it is left up to the imagination and it was hard to digest.

The ending was sad but beautiful. Ultimately, I think it was probably the best for this story but it did break my heart because the emotions felt so raw. I think it's worth the read, you might just find a new favorite book.