Delia Owens book summaries

“I wasn't aware that words could hold so much. I didn't know a sentence could be so full.”

Kya reflects on learning to read with Tate, realizing the power of language.

“The marsh knows all about death and doesn't necessarily define it as tragedy.”

Narrator's observation about the marsh's perspective on life and death.

“A thing is only a thing if it's seen.”

Kya's thought about the nature of existence and visibility.

“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.”

Opening line of the novel, setting the theme of connection to nature.

“The female brain is wired to survive, not to be liked.”

Kya's reflection on her own survival instincts.

“I have to be my own mother and father.”

Kya's realization that she must raise herself after being abandoned.