As Meat Loves Salt

As Meat Loves Salt follows Jacob Cullen, a servant in 1640s England who flees his employment and joins the New Model Army during the English Civil War. His life becomes intertwined with fellow soldier Christopher Ferris, leading him down an intense path of violence, desire, and obsession. The novel tracks Jacob's experiences through war-torn England as he navigates military life, complex relationships, and his own destructive nature. The political and religious upheaval of the era serves as both backdrop and catalyst for the events that reshape his existence. The story continues through the aftermath of war as Jacob seeks to build a new life in London, though his past and temperament threaten any chance of peace or stability he might find. This historical novel examines themes of power, sexuality, and the capacity for both love and cruelty within human nature. The raw intensity of Jacob's character offers an uncompromising look at how passion and violence can exist side by side in the human heart.

Readers describe this as a dark, brutal historical novel that leaves a lasting emotional impact. The book maintains a 3.91/5 rating on Goodreads from over 3,000 ratings. Readers praise: - The raw, visceral writing style - Historical accuracy and period details - Complex character development - The authentic portrayal of 17th century England - The intense psychological elements Common criticisms: - Too violent and disturbing for some readers - Slow pacing in parts - Length (over 500 pages) - Main character becomes increasingly difficult to empathize with Amazon reviews average 4.1/5 stars, with many noting they couldn't put it down despite its darkness. LibraryThing users rate it 4.12/5. Reader quote: "Beautiful and terrible at the same time. Not for the faint of heart." (Goodreads) Another reader notes: "The historical details are perfect but the violence was sometimes too much for me." (Amazon)

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🔖 "As Meat Loves Salt" was Maria McCann's debut novel, published in 2001 after she spent seven years writing it. ⚔️ The book's historical backdrop includes the English Civil War (1642-1651), specifically featuring the formation of the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell. 💫 The novel's title comes from an old English proverb: "Like salt loves meat," meaning something that is essential or deeply ingrained in one's nature. 🏰 McCann meticulously researched 17th-century cooking, medicine, and daily life to create authentic historical details, including working with historical reenactment groups. 🌟 The book explores themes that were rarely addressed in historical fiction at the time of its publication, including same-sex relationships in 17th-century England and the radical Diggers movement.