Once There Were Wolves

What is Inti’s motivation to study wolves? Why does she identify with them?

Inti’s and Aggie’s parents are opposites and live on the other side of the world from one another. Why do you think McConaghy chose to give Inti and her sister such a complicated background?

Love is usually assumed to be nurturing, but there are examples of love in this novel that are destructive. Choose one and discuss its causes and ramifications.

How has Duncan’s history of domestic abuse shaped him? Does it affect his relationship with Inti? If so, how?

Male characters figure prominently in the novel. Are the men all portrayed in the same way? Why, in your opinion, did McConaghy choose to include so many male characters?

As of the novel’s publication, wolves have not been reintroduced in Scotland. Based on your reading and outside research, do you think an attempt to rewild wolves in the Highlands would succeed? Why or why not?

Many of Inti’s actions exist in an ethically gray area. Do you think that any of her actions crossed a moral line, even if they were in defense of another?

In your opinion, should Aggie have been legally punished for murdering Stuart and attacking Duncan? Why or why not?