Although I enjoyed this book, I am also conflicted about the merits of the writing.   Delia Owens wrote a best-selling book, but she did not have a background as a novelist.    The story itself is inspired,  with its love of nature, the plight of an abandoned young girl, Society’s response to the “Marsh Girl,” and the conflicts arising from the people who would abuse or protect her.   The first half of the book was an outstanding read, and it formed the basis for why I read on, but in the second half, plot elements unwound.   This sometimes happen when writers “paint themselves into a corner.”

Did the author map out the ending in advance, or did she just create plot solutions that provided for an ending, complete with surprises and a sense of closure?   My reaction is that it was the latter, a common practice in mystery stories.      If I had known the ending, I would have stopped at the 2/3 point, very happy with the story,  as is.   By the end, I can say I enjoyed it all, but I was disappointed too.

I can recommend the book, but with some reservations, as noted.    My rating – 4.2 out of 5.0 stars4.2

An audio excerpt: