For my book report :)

The novel is divided into a prologue and 57 chapters. The novel is comprised of two distinct timelines that eventually join together. The main narrative begins in 1952 and proceeds linearly over a period of about 18 years. The second narrative begins with the discovery of Chase Andrews’ body in October of 1969 and proceeds linearly over a period of only a few months. The main narrative focuses on Kya’s childhood, teenage years, and early twenties as she lives alone in the swamp, and the other narrative follows the investigation in Chase Andrews’ death. As the novel progresses, it becomes clearer that Kya may have been involved in Chase’s death, although her direct involvement is not confirmed until the final chapter.

This specific structural choice creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, as the reader is drawn in by the question of how, if at all, Kya was involved in Chase’s death. However, the majority of the novel focuses simply on Kya’s life growing up in the swamp, mostly alone. Her few relationships with others become thematic focal points regarding the need for interpersonal connection, as well as the possible risks involved. Chase’s death and the facts surrounding it also become a thematic focal point regarding the destructiveness of persecution, for a reader may argue that if Kya were not persecuted by the townspeople, she may not have felt that killing Chase was her only means of protection.