Rating: 
Summary: Almost Great
Review: I agree with all of the above reviews, both good and bad. However, Ms. McCann's writing is so superb that the negative things I have to say are secondary to the overall literary achievement of this book.I have rarely felt less symphathy for a main character than I have for Jacob, he is the classic unwanted child, thwarted lover, etc. and his life and thoughts don't make for pleasant reading. Nor are her vivid descriptions of war and seige easy on the stomach. I am glad I read this however, her writing is so good I actually lived those times and their lives. My main question is why was this book written? To speak to us of a time -- the British Civil War -- is a reason, but why create such a despicable main character? I must say that the other characters aren't so great either. I admire the fact that they are people, not stereotypes, archetypes, etc. but I don't care for them. Ferris is a wimp; his aunt is physiologically myopic. Caro, Zeb, and Becs are not sufficiently characterized to be likeable, since we only see them through Jacob's eyes, but I will say, they are real. In response to another review, I found the "voice" imagery very explanatory, explaining Jacob's feelings or what I would call his insanity. Also the homoerotic elements of the story are integral to it, and is another reason why the book is so compelling. If you like great writing and strong, vivid characters, a feel of actually living in another time, and an ending that makes you think, this book is for you. If you want a happy ending, redemption, forgiveness and all knots neatly tied at the end, don't read this.
Rating: 
Summary: nothing happens
Review: This story starts out great, it places you in 17th century England during a civil war. There is a murder and the beginning of interesting character development. Once the main characters leave the battle field the story tumbles down a long boring hill. Hundreds of pages of getting up in the morning, eating meals and going to bed. I couldn't wait to rush through it to see if it would bring back the fire of the times. Where was the history and descriptions to place the reader in this period of time and place. I found this to be one of the most disappointing books I have ever read!
Rating: 
Summary: Teriffic Read!!!
Review: I agree completely with the reader from Atlanta, GA.This is a teriffic tale about a tragically flawed human being.I think it is far too simplistic to describe Jacob Cullen as repellent. He is far too complex a character for so simple a description. I frankly found myself rooting for him. I so wanted him to find the answers about himself he was seeking (and needed) but he kept blundering into self=destructive behavior.This book is amazing and haunting.And if it doesn't tie up all the loose ends neatly...well, neither does life.Also, I suggest you take your time reading this. Relish the story, the words, the scenes, the characters. The book is well worth the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Promising but ultimately flawed
Review: I wanted to like this novel and at times I did. Jacob is certainly an usual and compelling hero and the author neatly avoids the traps so many historical novelists fall into...she never romanticizes history or lets her characters fall flat and false. But the book ultimately frustrated me because so many questions were left unanswered...what happened to Jacob's poor brother Izzy, for example? Characters are routinely brought into the action and we see enough of them to get interested (and to assume they will play a role in the novel) and then they abruptly drop from the action, never to be seen again. Realistic? Probably. Jacob did indeed lead a life on the lam. But as a reader I found it frustrating. In the end the murderous, possibly insane Jacob is headed for America. Do I smell a sequel? Is this why so many loose ends were left?
Rating:
Summary: Very mixed feelings
Review: Rarely do I have such mixed feelings about a novel as I do about As Meat Loves Salt. On one hand, Ms. Mcann is a wonderful writer, the history is terrific and much of the relationship between Ferris and Jacob is believabe and romantic. Even the supporting characters are vividly drawn. On the other hand, Jacob is such a repellent character that he nearly ruins the book. I found his behavior to often be contrived, especially the voice in his head that occasionally pops up and left me confused as to whether the author wanted me to believe Jacob was mentally ill. Finally, I don't want to spend 500 plus pages with a protagonist who ultimately is a horrible person. If you don't mind that experience then this book is for you. Otherwise, think twice before reading.
Rating:
Summary: An Absorbing and Powerful First Novel
Review: As Meat Loves Salt is a book that, as one of the jacket blurbs states, was woefully overlooked when it came to an evaluation of the best books of the year. The relationship between Jacob and Ferris is incredibly compelling and three-dimensional, as is the rest of this astounding first novel. The reader is submerged in the story completely and by the story's end is still left longing for more. Rich in sensual and psychological detail, this is one novel I would strongly urge others to experience, for it is like no other I have ever read. Truly a major accomplishment by a gifted new writer.
Rating:
Summary: A Gripping Read
Review: Just a "me too" on the positive reviews. Jacob is a fascinating narrator and the historical feel is thrilling, I devoured this book.
Rating:
Summary: Decent but Ultimately Flawed
Review: Wow....so much praise for this book. On some levels, it's warranted. She writes unbelievably well and really does have a singular and unique voice. I wish I had but a but a small bit of her talent. From an historical perspective, it is quite interesting to read about England's civil war during this time period. Absolutely engrossing, no doubt about it. However, the book falls surprisingly short in that very human endeavor -- finding someone to love. Everything else about the book (the war, the times) is very brutal and human but tangible. The love/hate relationship between Jacob and Ferris is at many times....for lack of a better word.....lame. I realize that this kind of love between two men was viewed much differently than today. Thank god I wasn't born in those times -- as a gay man, life would have definitely been different for me. The love story between the two men is a rather important part of the story but it was portrayed in an overly clumsy and muddy way. The story line also fell prey to amazingly contrived stereotypes -- bitchy queers volleying emotions back and forth. It felt like the writer watched a bunch of gay-themed movies or sitcoms and then threw the story line in there (along with the stereotypes she picked up). I wasn't looking for syrupy romance (I don't really care if Jacob and Ferris had stayed together) but a more human, sensible and tangible one would have made this book even more unbelievable!
Rating:
Summary: ilneddo
Review: Reader: Beware. This novel will twist your mind and your heart and, ultimately, all but rip your heart out of you. As an historical novel of England, "As Meat Loves Salt" comes close to the excellence of H.F.M. Prescott's "The Man on a Donkey." As a novel of obsession and jealousy, rage and human excess, it approaches the dark humors of the classic novels of sin, guilt and redemption - except redemption is ambiguous with McCann. The narrative drive to the conclusion is, at best, painful to read. A masterpiece? Probably not. An extraordinary novel, made even more so by the fact that it is McCann's first: Abolutely.
Rating:
Summary: Man Do I Love Salt
Review: I rarely can get into a book like I got into this one. Some may challenge the ending being good, but I find that the ending leaves the reader thinking, "So what does this all mean?" The book to me was a vertigo of mind games on Jacob's part and his mates, especially Caro and Ferris. The reader wonders if Jacob, the narrator, is telling the truth and is not too paranoid about his close partners or are his close partners out to ruin him. Yes, its all about a new kind of life, love and the story deals with the paranoia of new love and friendships. I can honestly say that this is a book worthy of your time.
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