As Meat Loves Salt

by Maria McCann
As Meat Loves Salt cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6853
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jacob, an educated manservant in a loyalist household, is haunted by the murder of a local boy. Forced to flee on his wedding day, he takes his new wife with him, setting off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives. As they wander, Jacob's actions bring ruin to those around him and his own fortunes. The novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the destructive power of secrets. /n/n Written in a rich, evocative style, 'As Meat Loves Salt' delves into the psychological complexities of its characters, offering a gripping tale of historical fiction with a dark, gothic edge. The narrative is as much a journey through the human psyche as it is through the landscapes of the past.

Reviews
Mental Exotica · 2018-07-19
stupendous 4.50

The book is long, deep, and exhausting, but it is also stupendous and not to be missed. The reviewer found it to be a profound and impactful read.

The reviewer describes 'As Meat Loves Salt' as a heavy and exhausting read, but one that is absolutely worth the effort. They highlight the book's depth and complexity, suggesting that it is a profound exploration of its themes. The reviewer's enthusiasm is palpable, and they urge readers not to miss out on this remarkable novel. The book's length and intensity are noted, but these are seen as necessary for the depth of the story. The reviewer's overall impression is one of admiration for the book's ability to engage and challenge the reader.

Quick quotes

    This book is long, deep, heavy, and exhausting.

    But it is stupendous and if you miss reading it, you are a fool.

    The novel is written in pitch perfect historical detail.

The Idle Woman · 2011-10-17
authentic 4.20

The writing is assured and pitch-perfect, with an authentic first-person narrative. The reviewer praises the book's historical detail and emotional depth.

The reviewer commends Maria McCann's writing as assured and pitch-perfect, with a first-person narrative that feels authentic. They highlight the book's historical detail and emotional depth, suggesting that it is a well-crafted and engaging read. The reviewer's admiration for the book is evident, and they appreciate the way McCann brings history to life. The book's emotional resonance is particularly noted, with the reviewer finding it to be a moving and impactful story. Overall, the reviewer's impression is one of high praise for the book's quality and depth.

Quick quotes

    Maria McCann's writing is assured and pitch-perfect.

    Her first-person narrative and turns of phrase have an authentic feel.

    The novel is written in pitch perfect historical detail.

Speak Its Name · 2007-08-18
clever 4.00

The book is very clever and well-researched, offering a deep and gritty portrayal of the English Civil War. The reviewer finds it to be a compelling and well-written historical novel.

The reviewer describes 'As Meat Loves Salt' as a very clever book, noting its extensive research and deep portrayal of the English Civil War. They find the book to be compelling and well-written, with a gritty and realistic depiction of history. The reviewer's admiration for the book's depth and complexity is evident, and they appreciate the way McCann brings the historical period to life. The book's emotional and historical resonance is particularly noted, with the reviewer finding it to be a moving and impactful story. Overall, the reviewer's impression is one of high praise for the book's quality and depth.

Quick quotes

    This is a very clever book, in a lot of ways.

    It's incredibly well researched, and makes my version of the English Civil War seem rather shallow in comparison.

    The novel is written in pitch perfect historical detail.

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