There Once Were Wolves

There Once Were Wolves is a beautifully haunting and emotionally charged novel by Charlotte McConaghy that explores the complex relationship between humans and nature.

The story follows Inti Flynn, a biologist tasked with reintroducing wolves into the Scottish Highlands, an area where they’ve been absent for centuries. As Inti battles against local opposition, she grapples with her own trauma and the ghosts of her past. McConaghy’s writing weaves a tense atmosphere that mirrors the wildness of the wolves, capturing the raw beauty of the landscape and the inner turmoil of the characters. The book touches on themes of grief, redemption, and the power of nature, ultimately asking what it means to belong.

Inti’s journey is as much about reclaiming the land for the wolves as it is about reclaiming herself. The unpredictable, often dangerous nature of both wolves and people creates a narrative that will keep readers on edge, questioning who the real predators are in the wild. The prose is lyrical yet fierce, making it an evocative read for fans of contemporary literary fiction with environmental undertones.

Wine Pairing:

For There Once Were Wolves, I recommend pairing it with a bold, earthy red wine that complements the wild, raw energy of the story. A Syrah or Shiraz from a cooler climate, like one from Northern Rhône, would be ideal. This wine, with its deep flavors of blackberries, plums, and hints of smoky spice, mirrors the novel’s intense emotions and the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands. The tannins are firm but not overpowering, much like the strength and resilience of the characters as they face both external and internal battles.

The smoky undertones in the Syrah reflect the primal presence of the wolves in the narrative, while the fruitiness adds a touch of warmth, balancing the harsher elements of the novel. This pairing will transport readers further into the story, enhancing the immersive experience as they sip their wine, reflecting on the fierce beauty of the wild.