Is 'As Meat Loves Salt' Based On A True Story?

I recently read 'As Meat Loves Salt' and was struck by its intense realism, but no, it's not based on a true story. Maria McCann crafted this historical fiction masterpiece with such vivid detail that it feels real. Set during the English Civil War, the novel follows Jacob Cullen, a complex character whose descent into violence and obsession mirrors the chaos of the era. McCann’s research is impeccable, blending real historical events with fictional characters seamlessly. The brutality of war, the strictures of society, and the psychological depth of Jacob make it feel authentic. If you want more gritty historical fiction, try 'The Crimson Petal and the White'—it’s another immersive read.

As someone who devours historical fiction, I can confirm 'As Meat Loves Salt' is entirely fictional, though it borrows heavily from real historical contexts. The English Civil War setting isn’t just backdrop; it shapes every decision the characters make. Jacob Cullen’s journey from soldier to murderer is a psychological deep dive, and McCann’s portrayal of 17th-century England is brutally accurate—down to the language, social hierarchies, and even the smell of battlefields.

What makes this novel stand out is how it mirrors real historical tensions. The Diggers’ movement, for instance, was a genuine radical group advocating for land reform. McCann weaves their ideals into the plot, giving the story a layer of political urgency. The relationships, especially the toxic bond between Jacob and Ferris, feel painfully human, grounded in the era’s repressed emotions and rigid norms.

For readers craving more historically rich fiction, 'The Glass of Time' by Michael Cox offers a similar blend of meticulous research and dark, personal drama. Both novels prove that the best historical fiction doesn’t need real-life figures to feel true.

'As Meat Loves Salt' isn’t based on true events, but Maria McCann’s writing makes it hit like a documentary. The story’s raw emotional power comes from its setting—a time when England was tearing itself apart. Jacob’s inner turmoil reflects the external chaos, and McCann doesn’t shy away from the period’s grim realities: the filth, the violence, the desperation. It’s a character study wrapped in historical authenticity.

The novel’s strength lies in its details. From the way soldiers loot corpses to the whispered conversations between lovers, every scene feels lived-in. If you enjoyed this, check out 'The King’s General' by Daphne du Maurier. It’s another Civil War-era story with a gripping, personal narrative that sticks with you long after the last page.