The Wilding. Maria McCann

by Maria McCann

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571251870
• ISBN13: 9780571251872
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Length: 337 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Family secrets bring chaos . . .

Whilst still staying in the English 17th Century Maria McCann's first person paranoid schizophrenic characterization in her brilliant but disturbing "As Meat Loves Salt" turns, in this her 2nd novel, to that of a gentle soul, one Jonathan Dymond, a cider maker, caught up in family secrets of love, betrayal and revenge that turns his harmonious world upside down. If you are determined to make comparisons to the author's exceptional literary debut you are going to come away disappointed but it does not deter from what this second novel is - a great read. McCann masters the male mind superbly and I love her tendency to avoid the Hollywood traditional happy ending - to be sure life is too often not like that and there is, for me anyhow, some great satisfaction - however adrift such book endings leave you - in that.

Rushing a bit Maria?

Like the previous reviewer I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Having read "As Meat Loves Salt" and for the first time in my life actually looking forward to going to bed just to read a few more chapters, I eagerly anticipated more of the same. I was a bit disappointed with the size of the book as was hoping for another weighty tome but nevertheless I commenced reading. O.K. This is a good book. Good being used in the same way that when someone says you look "nice" you immediately go upstairs and change. If I had read this first I would have loved it. But as a follow up to "AMLS" ? All I could envisage when I was reading it was Ms McCann's publisher at the end of the telephone shouting "C'mon Maria. You've had a best seller. Don't go cold on me now. Let's get a follow up out tout de suite. Write woman write!!! It had a rushed quality to it unlike her previous, which savoured everything without boring you (and I am a woman with the attention span of a gnat....where was I?...oh yes) As Meat Loves Salt sucked you in with a creeping intensity that built slowly and deliciously....and you knew it wouldn't end well but you never knew till the last page, how it would. I kind of saw where this was headed at about the same speed that Jonathan careered around the countryside on his borrowed horse Bully. There was one surprise but I think even Maria realised she may have been rushing this book a tad and threw it in to prolong it somewhat. I love her books but I think she peaked on the first. It's good but after the amazing experience that was As Meat Loves Salt it's sadly downhill. Stay away from Barbara Cartland territory Maria.For the love of God!

McCann Equals Historical Masterpeice

Having devoured "As Meat Loves Salt", not once but three times, I was eager to get my grubby hands on Maria McCann's newest work of historical fiction entitled, "The Wilding". The fact that the book has not been released yet in the United States did not hinder me from purchasing the newly released book from the United Kingdom. Was it worth the wait? Oh...yes, indeed! The moment I recieved McCann's "The Wilding", I tore into it and before I knew it, three hours had passed. Ms. McCann's eye for historical detail is impecable and not cumbersome in the least. Her skill as an author truly astounds me. Why? For one, both of her novels are told from the male perspective and quite convincingly so! Being a male myself, I can attest to her authenticity! She has a gift. The flow of words is like diving into one's favorite, yet most sinful dessert and savoring each succulent sensation. No, this is NOT a Jackie Collins novel! "The Wilding" is in a realm far, far from Ms. Collins...with all due respect to Ms. Collins. Anyway... As for the storyline? Well, I can only say that it revolves around a simple family living in the countryside of England during the 1600's. Where's the intrigue in that, you ask? Oh, just you wait! I will say this....Aunt Harriet is without doubt one of THE most villianous characters I have had the pleasure of being introduced to in many, many years! Quite honestly, she makes Cruella DeVille look like a saint! As for the story's protagonist, there's Jonathan, Aunt Harriet's nephew from her recently deceased husband's side of the family. No parent living then or today could ask for a more loving and loyal son. He soon discovers a mystery within the family and decides to take it upon himself to uncover the truth. And therein, my friends, lies the intrigue! War, Seduction, Rape, Witchcraft....I dare not say a word more for fear of upsetting the "apple-cart"! To Ms. McCann: To quote a famous line from the movie musical "Oliver"..... "More, please!!!!!!!"