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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Emotional / Dark / Suspenseful / Contemplative

Charlotte McConaghy

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Once There Were Wolves Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Once There Were Wolves Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

Once There Were Wolves Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

Once There Were Wolves Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Once There Were Wolves Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Once There Were Wolves Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 26-Epilogue

Once There Were Wolves Chapter 26-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Once There Were Wolves Character Analysis

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Themes

Once There Were Wolves Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Once There Were Wolves Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Once There Were Wolves Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Once There Were Wolves Essay Topics

Once There Were Wolves

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Once There Were Wolves?

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