Maria McCann

Maria McCann is a British novelist known for historical fiction set in 17th century England. Her works frequently explore themes of sexuality, class dynamics, and personal identity against richly detailed historical backdrops. McCann's debut novel As Meat Loves Salt (2001) received significant critical attention and was named an Economist Book of the Year. The story follows a violent soldier during the English Civil War and his intense relationship with a fellow military man. Her second novel The Wilding (2010) tells the tale of a cider-maker's son in rural Somerset who becomes entangled in family secrets. McCann has also published Ace, King, Knave (2013), another historical novel set in Georgian London. Prior to her writing career, McCann worked as a teacher of English in Somerset, England. Her work is notable for its meticulous historical research and unflinching examination of human nature in times of social upheaval.

Readers praise McCann's vivid historical details and complex character development, particularly in As Meat Loves Salt. Many reviews highlight her raw, authentic portrayal of 17th century England and ability to create morally ambiguous characters. What readers liked: - Atmospheric and historically accurate settings - Sophisticated handling of difficult themes - Unpredictable plot developments - Rich, period-appropriate prose style What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing too slow, especially in The Wilding - Main characters can be deeply unlikeable - Violence and dark themes too intense for some - Unresolved plot threads frustrated certain readers Ratings across platforms: As Meat Loves Salt - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,800+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ ratings) The Wilding - Goodreads: 3.5/5 (400+ ratings) - Amazon: 3.8/5 (40+ ratings) Ace, King, Knave - Goodreads: 3.3/5 (150+ ratings) - Amazon: 3.7/5 (25+ ratings) Several readers compare her work to Sarah Waters, though note McCann's style is darker and more challenging.

As Meat Loves Salt (2001) A historical novel set during the English Civil War following Jacob Cullen, a violent man who deserts the army and becomes involved with fellow soldier Christopher Ferris while participating in a utopian farming community.

The Wilding (2010) Set in 1672 Somerset, England, this novel follows cider-maker Jonathan Dymond as he uncovers dark family secrets while investigating his uncle's deathbed confession.

Ace, King, Knave (2013) A dual-narrative story set in 1760s London, featuring a young wife named Sophia and a mixed-race woman named Betsy-Ann, whose lives intersect through gambling and deception.

Sarah Waters writes historical fiction set in Victorian England with LGBT themes and complex female characters. Her novels feature similar period detail and exploration of gender/sexuality as McCann's work.

Michel Faber creates historical narratives centered on class dynamics and sensual detail in Victorian-era settings. His work shares McCann's focus on the lives of ordinary people caught in social transformations.

Emma Donoghue tells stories of women's lives in historical settings with attention to period accuracy and physical detail. Her work deals with themes of identity and power dynamics similar to McCann's novels.

Rose Tremain writes historical fiction focusing on outsider characters navigating social constraints in various time periods. Her work shares McCann's interest in exploring how individuals find agency within historical circumstances.

Andrew Miller crafts detailed historical narratives examining mortality and human relationships in past centuries. His novels feature the same type of sensory immersion and psychological depth found in McCann's writing.