Review: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
by The Borrowers Book Group Kesgrave Library
The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library share their thoughts on Once There Were Wolves, written by Australian author and screenwriter Charlotte McConaghy.
About Once There Were Wolves
Inti Flynn arrives in the Scottish Highlands with fourteen grey wolves, a traumatised sister and fierce tenacity. As a biologist, she knows the animals are the best hope for rewilding the ruined landscape and she cares little for local opposition. As a sister, she hopes the remote project will offer her twin, Aggie, a chance to heal after the horrific events that drove them both out of Alaska.
But violence dogs their footsteps and one night Inti stumbles over the body of a farmer. Unable to accept that her wolves could be responsible, she makes a reckless decision to protect them. But if the wolves didn't make the kill, then who did? And can she trust the man she is beginning to love when he becomes the main suspect?
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Book group review
This book makes a good choice for a book group as there is lots to discuss. The title is deceptive - the expectation was more of an environmental theme, so the thriller aspect was surprising. It is a page-turner with a twist at the end.
The subject of rewilding and exploring the attitudes of the farming community whose livelihoods felt threatened were well-described. Similarly the writing was very descriptive of the scenery and woods in Scotland.
This is the second book written by the author and we felt that too many elements and deep, powerful emotions were included - fear, guilt, shame, love as well as physical abuse in marriage and the complexity of twinness.
The characters of the wolves were well-drawn and almost more likeable than the people. The characters are strong in different ways, although the main character of Inti does not see herself as strong. There are some amusing bits, and we particularly liked the character of Mrs. Doyle.
Recommendation: An interesting subject with an unexpected thriller aspect which keeps you reading. Do not be put off by the first two pages.
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