44 pages 1 hour read

Charlotte McConaghy

Once There Were Wolves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Topics

Animals

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Themes

Natural World: Environment

Relationships: Siblings

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger