Podcast Summary: From the Front Porch – Episode 513: Into the Backlist: History of Wolves

Released on January 23, 2025, "From the Front Porch" is a weekly conversational podcast produced by The Bookshelf Thomasville, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. Hosted by Annie Jones, this episode delves into Emily Friedland's debut novel, "History of Wolves," as part of the "Into the Backlist" series.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Annie Jones welcomes listeners to episode 513 of "From the Front Porch," introducing the focus on Emily Friedland's "History of Wolves." She sets the stage by highlighting the significance of backlist titles—books published over a year ago that often remain hidden gems within independent bookstores.

Annie Jones [04:15]: "Books published more than a year ago can sometimes get lost or overlooked."

2. Series Context: Into the Backlist

The "Into the Backlist" series, launched in January of the previous year, aims to spotlight remarkable backlist titles, emphasizing the unique personality of indie bookstores through their curated selections.

Annie Jones [05:30]: "You can really tell, I think, a store's personality by what backlist titles they carry."

Previous Episodes Highlighted:

• Episode 460: Francis and Bernard
• Episode 465: The Ensemble
• Episode 476: The Mothers
• Episode 499: Defending Jacob

3. Overview of "History of Wolves"

Author: Emily Friedland
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
Pages: 288
Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age

"History of Wolves" is a dark, literary novel that explores themes of memory, trauma, and the lingering impact of childhood experiences. The story is divided into two sections, presenting a dual perspective of the protagonist's adolescence and adulthood.

Annie Jones [12:45]: "History of Wolves is a brutal coming of age about one adolescent Minnesota summer and its impact on one woman's adulthood."

4. Synopsis and Themes

Plot Summary: The novel centers on Linda (originally named Maddie), who reflects on a transformative summer from her teenage years spent on an abandoned commune in northern Minnesota. The harsh, wintry setting plays a crucial role in shaping her experiences and psyche.

Key Characters:

• Linda/Maddie: The protagonist grappling with her past.
• Paul: A young boy whose death profoundly affects Linda.
• Mr. Grierson: Linda's history teacher with questionable morals.
• Lily: A popular girl at school who becomes Linda's obsession.

Major Themes:

• Memory and Reliability: As an adult narrating her past, Linda's recollections may be biased or incomplete.
• Religion and Belief: The influence of religious dogma on family dynamics and personal identity.
• Nature and Setting: The stark, wintry landscapes of Minnesota serve as a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Annie Jones [22:10]: "She lives a pretty solitary existence in those Minnesota woods. She's an outcast at school and a girl without a real place until a little boy named Paul moves in across the lake."

5. Personal Reflections and Insights

Annie shares her personal connection to the book, highlighting the vivid nature descriptions and the emotional depth of the narrative. She discusses how the book remained on her shelf, indicating its lasting impact despite initial hesitations.

Annie Jones [28:50]: "Linda reads like a girl from a fairy tale... She's looking back on a formative summer and who's to say if those memories are accurate or not?"

She also reflects on the book's ability to evoke a strong sense of place and how it parallels other literary works that examine the consequences of parental beliefs on children.

6. Critical Reception

"History of Wolves" received a mix of critical acclaim and criticism upon its release:

• Publishers Weekly (Starred Review):

  "A sense of foreboding subtly permeates the story... Friedland has elegantly crafted a striking protagonist... moving and disturbing and which will stay with the reader."

• Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review):

  "As dread coils around Linda, the novel gives up its secrets slowly... A literary tour de force."

• The New York Times (Jennifer Senior):

  "History of Wolves contains the kernels of many possible novels... All the ideas in the world can't make a great novel. It's what you do with them that matters."

Annie notes that while some critics found the storytelling manipulative, others praised its depth and character development. The book holds a respectable rating on Goodreads with 3.41 stars from over 28,000 ratings.

7. Notable Quotes from "History of Wolves"

Annie shares several poignant excerpts from the novel, complete with timestamps for context:

1. On Mr. Grierson:

   Linda [19:35]: "You all have a thing for horses and wolves."
   <small>[05:50]</small>

2. Describing Winter:

   Annie [32:10]: "Winter collapsed on us that year. It knelt down exhausted and stayed."

3. On Childhood Perception:

   Annie [45:20]: "Children were freaks. They believed impossible things to suit themselves..."

8. Recommendations and Comparable Reads

Annie recommends "History of Wolves" to fans of dark, character-driven fiction and suggests it pairs well with the following titles:

1. These Silent Woods by Kimmy Cunningham
2. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
3. The Bones by Margaret Vrbel
4. Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
5. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
6. Body Down by Amy Suter Clark
7. Stealing by Margaret Vrbel
8. The Net Beneath Us by Carol Dunbar
9. Bewilderment by Richard Powers
10. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
11. Penitents by Kristin Koval (Upcoming)

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Annie wraps up the episode by expressing her deep appreciation for "History of Wolves," despite its unsettling themes. She underscores the book's compelling storytelling and beautiful nature writing, making it a standout in the backlist selection.

Annie Jones [55:40]: "If you can handle the heavier subject matter, I really do think you'll find yourself immersed like I was every episode."

She encourages listeners to explore the novel and shares additional resources, including author interviews, for those interested in further exploration.

Listen to Episode 513:
Explore "History of Wolves" and other captivating backlist titles by tuning into From the Front Porch.