A review by lifa
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

dark inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.75

 Definitely a gripping read- I found the narration worked perfectly with the main character's condition. I've never heard of mirror-touch synesthesia, and had no idea that it's a real thing people experience. This book has so many layers. 
 
There is the tackling of climate change through rewilding, the connection between humans and nature, how that plays into community relations and the relationships and conflicts it creates. And then there is the really rough part of turbulent childhood and domestic abuse.
 
A warning about the violence and domestic abuse- it's quite strong even if not super graphic. The author does a great job of making you feel what the characters are feeling, because it's such an immediate and introspective narration. There was a part that made me feel sick and I did not sleep well after reading it. Still an amazing book. 
 
I give it 4.75 stars because one of the scenes felt a bit unbelievable by the end. 
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