The Wilding

by Maria McCann
The Wilding cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6842
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781444803907
  • Publisher: Charnwood
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Maria McCann's second novel, The Wilding, transports readers to a tumultuous period in English history, where the scars of the Civil War are still fresh. The story follows a young woman as she grapples with the chaos and uncertainty of her time, revealing the hidden complexities and passions that lie beneath the surface of a society in flux. /n/n As the protagonist delves deeper into the mysteries of her world, she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of love, power, and the human condition. The Wilding is a richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant exploration of a pivotal moment in history, showcasing McCann's talent for blending historical detail with compelling narrative.

Reviews
Andrea Zuvich · Andrea Zuvich · 2018-01-16
dark 3.75

The prose is simple yet powerful, and the plot grows progressively darker, venturing into taboo territory.

Andrea Zuvich finds the prose in 'The Wilding' to be simple yet powerful, which effectively draws the reader into the story. They appreciate how the plot darkens progressively, delving into taboo subjects. This makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read. However, the darkness of the plot might be too intense for some readers.

Quick quotes

    I found the prose simple but nevertheless powerful

    The plot itself grew progressively darker until it went into full-on taboo territory

    The darkness of the plot might be too intense for some readers

She Reads Novels · 2010-11-15
compelling 4.25

The story is entertaining and compelling, with a well-evoked historical period.

The reviewer at She Reads Novels finds 'The Wilding' to be an entertaining and compelling read. They praise Maria McCann's ability to evoke the historical period effectively, making the story immersive. The portrayal of characters and the period's atmosphere are particularly noteworthy. Overall, it's a book that keeps the reader turning the pages.

Quick quotes

    The story was entertaining, very compelling and kept me turning the pages

    McCann evokes the period very well

    I liked the way she portrayed a ...

The Guardian · Adam Mars-Jones · 2010-03-20
engaging 4.00

The novel is a richly detailed and carnal tale of forbidden love during and after the English Civil War. It bridges the divide between literary and popular fiction.

Adam Mars-Jones praises the novel for its rich detail and carnal intensity, set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. They highlight how the story bridges the divide between literary and popular fiction, making it a compelling read. The novel's exploration of forbidden love and its historical setting are particularly noteworthy. However, they also note that the novel's sprawling nature might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    A sprawling, richly detailed and carnal tale of forbidden love during and after the English civil war

    It was a novel that bridged the famous divide between literary and popular fiction

    The novel's exploration of forbidden love and its historical setting are particularly noteworthy

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