Setting: The novel is set in the marshlands of North Carolina. The description of the marsh and its surroundings is based on real ecosystems found in that region. The lush and vivid portrayal of the natural environment reflects actual flora and fauna that can be found in such habitats.
Marshland Wildlife: Owens, with a background in wildlife science, infuses the novel with accurate details about the birds, insects, and other wildlife of the North Carolina marshes. This includes behaviors, sounds, and appearances of various species.
Cultural and Historical Context: The story is set between the 1950s and the 1970s. It touches upon the social and cultural norms of that era in the United States, especially in small-town settings and more rural areas. Issues of prejudice, isolation, and the role of women in society are portrayed with an eye to historical accuracy.
Scientific Elements: The protagonist, Kya, has a deep connection with nature and learns about it extensively on her own. The scientific observations and learnings that are part of the narrative are largely accurate and reflect real biological and ecological knowledge.
Legal System: The novel includes a courtroom drama that reflects aspects of the legal system and trial processes as they would have occurred in the mid-20th century America.
Setting: The novel is set in the marshes of North Carolina. The descriptions of the marshland ecosystem, its flora and fauna, are based on real-life characteristics of such environments in the Southern United States.
Marsh Life Depiction: Owens, a wildlife scientist, brings her expertise to the vivid descriptions of the marsh life. The behaviors and lives of the animals and birds, and the details of the natural surroundings, are accurately portrayed.
Social and Historical Context: The book is set in the 1950s and 1960s, and Owens incorporates factual elements relevant to the time period. This includes social attitudes, especially concerning gender roles and isolation, and the life in the rural South during that era.
Legal Procedures: The novel includes a murder trial, and the depiction of legal procedures, court settings, and the criminal investigation process are grounded in real-world practices, albeit with some creative liberties for the sake of the narrative.
Cultural References: The book contains references to real-life cultural elements of the time, like music, food, and societal norms, which add a layer of authenticity to the story.