Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – The Book vs. The Movie

Read This:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Watch This:

Where the Crawdads Sing (currently only in theatres)

Listen to This:

Tell Me More: The Dark Side of Delia Owens (author of Where the Crawdads Sing) featuring Kayse Gale

Why We Made this Selection and Background Knowledge

Julie: I read the book initially in March of 2022 in preparation for an episode of Tell Me More about the author of the book. I remember hearing about the book when it came out but I wasn’t interested… However, when the controversy kicked up around Taylor Swift writing a song for the movie, I was intrigued.

Claire: I had also heard of the book but wasn’t interested. Not something I usually read. But when the Tell Me More episode came out and all the stuff Kayse was saying, and at the time knowing you and I had this podcast in the works, I was more excited to read it.

Before you say which you liked better, did you read the book or listen to the audiobook… because it matters.

Julie: Both. Read the book in March, and listened to the audiobook in July.

Claire: Listened to the audiobook.

Overall Opinion of the Book

Julie: I hated it. The pace was rough. The sentence structure was overly embellished. There were huge plot holes and icky choices made.

Claire: I think I would have actually preferred the book to the audiobook just because the accents were getting old, fast. Time didn’t allow me to actually read the physical book, but I think I would have enjoyed the book more.

Overall Opinion of the Movie

Julie:  Felt like a Nicholas sparks movie, kind of slow. Overall most of my main issues with the book were fixed or handled better in the movie.

Claire: I agree. Very Nicholas Sparks vibe.

Which was better, the Book or the Movie?

Julie: The Movie

Claire: The Movie

Ranking…

1. Was the outcome the same in both the show and the book? Yes
2. Was the main character/primary narrator the same in the show and the book? Yes
3. Was the primary conflict the same in the show and the book? Yes
4. Would you read the book again or recommend it to a friend? No
5. Would you watch the show/movie again or recommend it to a friend? No

Overall rating: 3/5

To listen to the full episode on Where the Crawdads Sing check out But the Book was Better on Apple and Spotify. Don’t forget to subscribe so you know exactly when each episode is released!