Once There Were Wolves

Two stories side by side intertwining. Descriptive feelings and mystery and drama. Great story about wolves and people kept me guessing.

A striking book, filled with science and mystery. I am a biologist and I loved that the main character was a wolf conservationist. Set in Scotland, McConaghy puts you smack in the highlands. The characters are complicated, all gray area. The book explores domestic violence as it progresses through the rewilding of a unique ecosystem. I have never read anything like it.

Once There Were Wolves – Charlotte McConaghyOverall, I’d rate this book 4.5 stars.First of all, I love this author. Migrations has been one of my top reads and I have been afraid to read another book that did not meet my expectations because i loved her first book so much. Although migrations remain my absolute favorite, she did not disappoint with this novel. I just didn't give it 5 stars because the romantic subplot lacked a bit in the chemistry for me as I didn’t really believe their love for each other. The focus was intentionally placed on intys relationships with everyone rather than just Duncan which i feel kind of overshadowed the love i think the author intended on. I was pretty intrigued going into the book, especially since I’m always keen to read about characters working in fields I know nothing about. In this novel, that niche was wolves, and wow, did I learn to love them like the main character did.I thought the characters were very original. Duncan’s background helped explain his present perceptions of the new kids and of humanity in general. As an identical twin myself, I loved reading about Inti and Aggie. So much of their relationship made me reflect on my own relationship with my twin. It was very refreshing to see such an accurate depiction of twins.My favorite characters, however, were the wolves. They were given such human-like characteristics that it was impossible not to root for them.This plot is exactly what I like in a book: a whole lot of quiet buildup with an ending that gives you whiplash. The story moved slowly, but I was genuinely caught completely off guard by the twist. It didn’t feel rushed, the story aligned the way it should have. The structure between past and present was never confusing and was always insightful.There’s nothing I dislike more than when an author takes you back in time and gives you nothing in return, but that was not the case here.And don’t even get me started on the ambiance. I live in Miami, and this book made me feel like I was sitting in a blizzard-filled forest while still in my own living room.There’s nothing like an atmospheric setting. Although the hook was pretty slow, not that I mind, I LOVED THE WHIPLASH THE ENDING GAVE ME. My girl charlotte, you have delivered once again.

It was kind of hard to read so much human and animal violence. She’s a beautiful writer and it’s well written as usual, but for me it was hard to read. I’m too much of a baby and want things slightly less heavy. That’s a personal issue though. The book was great if you aren’t bothered but that sort of thing.

Read it on my Kindle and then had to buy it for my mom who passed it on to her best friend. Great storytelling!