[3] The novel is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Madeline Furston (Linda), as an adult recounting the events that occurred during the summer when she was fifteen.

[4] Initially, the novel's first chapter was a stand-alone short story composed for a writing workshop at the University of Southern California.

[7] The novel takes place in rural Minnesota and follows Linda as an outcast in her small town and how she reacts to situations beyond her control or comprehension.

Her poor relationship with her parents coupled with her geographical isolation, as she lived surrounded by forest, resulted in Linda being an emotionally distant teen who struggled to effectively communicate and form meaningful connections.

Linda soon found out that Mr. Grierson was fired from his previous school for accusations of paedophilia, and he was also caught with possession of child pornography.

Leo and Patra practiced Christian Science, meaning they did not believe in the physicality of human existence, nor in medicine.

She continued to live in this way until she was 37 when her mother required her to move home to take care of her following Linda's father's death.

Written from the perspective of an adolescent protagonist, the theme of belonging is explored as Linda attempts to find her place in the world whilst making sense of the uncomfortable realities of life.

However, it is ultimately taken away from her after his death, leading to her ongoing search for belonging and intimacy which is seen in her sexual and romantic relationships as an adult.

[11] As Linda's isolation hindered her ability to effectively communicate, she held the propensity to be an observer in other people's lives, often over involving herself.

The theme is similarly conveyed through Linda's lack of action in Mr. Grierson's trial for the sexual assault of Lily, which she believed to be a lie.

[13] The novel explores the dangers of religion as Paul's death is a direct consequence of his parents' religious ideologies preventing them from seeking medical attention.

One of the most notable themes in History of Wolves is emotional trauma and the role it plays on an individual as they grow and mature.

[17] It won the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction and was chosen as the Indie Next List Pick for #1 Great Read, The New York Times Editor's Choice, and was an Amazon Best Book of the Month.