Ahoy there mateys! This historical fiction was beautifully written.  The sections that dealt with the murder and trial in 1969 could have been left out.  I wasn't too keen on some of romance aspects either.  But the descriptions of the "Marsh Girl's" childhood and life in the marsh of North Carolina was mesmerizing.  Listening to the audiobook seemed to enhance the naturalistic elements of the story for me.  The descriptions were evocative and beautiful.  While not all elements were to me taste, I thought this was a fantastic book and get the hype overall. Arrr!