Once There Were Wolves – by Charlotte McConaghy – independent book review – Fiction

ONCE THERE WERE WOLES is a fast-paced, sensitive novel about an effort to re-wild a rural area by re-introducing wolves — in hopes of restoring a more natural environment. A rich and compelling story that makes it clear how complex efforts like this are for all involved, including the animals. Awarded five stars on Goodreads.

McConaghy puts us in a remote corner of Scotland, inhabited primarily by farmers just barely getting by. Aside from the handful of biologists shepherding the release of the wolves, the author creates a group of three-dimensional characters, each of whom adds their own legitimate dimension to the issue. Some oppose the re-wilding, some support it, others are skeptical, a few genuinely open to learning more. But like all humans, all are resistant to change. In short, pretty typical of any effort to solve any environmental problem. 

Spearheading the wolf project is Inti Flynn, who along with her twin sister/soulmate Addie, shared an unusual upbringing with long, isolated periods living off the land with their father. Their knowledge of wild lands, tracking, and animal behavior is impressive. But they also share knowledge of a much darker experience they both keep hidden from the world.

The story is full of tension and completely unpredictable. No one is completely good or completely bad. What is clear however is how much of our judgement of others is based on what we WANT to be the truth. And how that bias CAN, under the right circumstances, lead us into danger.

This is the second book I’ve read by Charlotte McConaghy, who confesses in this book’s Acknowledgments that she feels a “profound distress over the loss of our natural world.” ONCE THERE WERE WOLVES is certainly a worthwhile contribution to this important global discussion.

It’s quite a smart book that showcases the diverse aspects of a complex problem. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is learning, and the answers don’t come easily. There are issues of fairness, vulnerability and trust.. About the importance of honesty and open collaboration with ALL stakeholders. Lessons for outside “experts” as well as locals. I suppose the highest complement I can pay the novel is that I ended it continuing to think about all these issues. Very highly recommended.  

Content warning: this story contains domestic abuse and animal cruelty.

More about the author, Charlotte McConaghy.

You may be interested in my review of another book by McConaghy, MIGRATIONS.

While the re-introduction of wolves in Scotland is a fictitious story, take a few minutes to watch this fascinating six minute video about how reintroducing wolves (a keystone species) to Yellowstone National Park impacted the park’s environment.