Jennie Jacques Instagram – Kya “The Marsh Girl” is judged harshly by the townspeople of Barkley Cove. Deserted at a young age in a shack in the marshes, an adult should’ve seen to it that she was taken care of. Close enough to “civilisation” to be their gossip, far away enough to turn a blind eye. This is about abandonment; Family & the lack of, The Mother & Mother Nature, & (unexpectedly) the power of learning to read 😳 📚 & potential of falling in love! Arguably, those who were suppose to care for Kya, up sticks on the grounds of self-preservation/their own survival. But, who has got this little girls back? Well, the Seagulls; Kya has a soul-stirring connection to nature which lights up almost every page! She maintains a few human ally’s too – some kindhearted, others not so much; Jumpin, owner of the gas & bait shop & his wife Mabel, “Our church can come up wif some clothes, other things for her,” fall into the compassionate category; as does Tate, her brother Jodie’s old pal, who teaches Kya to read 😉 & cultivates her natural flare for science. The bond between Tate & Kya is the backbone of this masterpiece but it’s her connection to the marsh which really fleshes out the story. Despite her strength, Kya is young/naive. Predators like Chase Andrews, can smell this. As wonderful as Tate is (& he really is) he has some growing-up to do & regrettably for a period of time goes AWOL; Chase Andrews, stereotypical quarterback “player” from town utilises & uses Kya during Tate’s absence. When Andrews is found dead in the marsh, a darker animalistic “coming-of-age” tale surfaces. Kya, the accused, once wild & free, is behind bars & under the scrutiny of a small minded town who want accountability. Set between the 1950s & 70s, in North Carolina, USA – racism, segregation & “labelling” are rooted in the Deep South narrative. The question is, will there be growth? 🐛 🦋 Weaved into this, is poetry, a plot TWIST & a profound account of the marsh. Kya actually becomes a published writer. Do not underestimate The Marsh Girl. Beautifully orchestrated unique murder mystery. 5/5 – SWIPE for the new front cover 😂 #bookreview