44 pages • 1 hour read
Once There Were Wolves
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy, biologist Inti Flynn rewilds wolves in the Scottish Highlands despite resistance from local residents who fear for their safety and livestock. Inti brings her sister Aggie, who has severe PTSD due to a violent assault. Inti's project faces turmoil as she navigates complex relationships, local hostility, and a mysterious death that she must conceal to protect the wolves. The novel includes themes of violence and trauma.
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
99,956 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charlotte McConaghy's Once There Were Wolves has been praised for its evocative prose and deep environmental themes. Critics commend its blend of mystery and emotional depth. However, some note a slow-paced narrative and occasionally heavy-handed messaging. Overall, it’s a poignant exploration of rewilding and human-animal connections, though it may not appeal to readers preferring faster plots.
Who Should Read Once There Were Wolves?
Readers who enjoy nature-infused literary fiction with psychological depth, akin to Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing and Maja Lunde's The History of Bees, will find Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy captivating. The novel appeals to those intrigued by environmental themes, human-animal connections, and emotional resilience.
99,956 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Scotland • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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