Allison D. (alleigh) reviewed The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
[i]The Clan of the Cave Bear[/i] is the first in Jean Auels [i]Earths Children[/i] series, and its an exciting way to begin. The book is a coming-of-age story for a young girl, Ayla, living during the Ice Age who is orphaned during an Earthquake. Ayla is adopted by The Clan of the Cave Bear, although she clearly is not Clan, as she looks, acts, and communicates very differently. The story is clearly a work of fantasy, as there are obvious factual inaccuracies; however, the quality of Auels writing makes it easy to become absorbed in the story and forget reality.
Aylas tale is on of moving from childhood to adulthood, Auel masterfully weaves vivid details about the setting, while keeping the reader engaged in the plot. Each character in the novel goes through his or her own individual struggle because of Aylas difference, yet because of the Auels writing style, it is easy for the reader to understand why each character is faced with difficult choices, rather than automatically siding with the main character. There is also depth to the descriptions that Auel uses, which makes it easy to understand the love between Ayla and her adopted parentsCreb and Izathe intensity of Brouds hatred toward Ayla, and the heart wrenching pain that is inflicted upon her.
Overall, the book is a fairly easy, but very captivating read.
Aylas tale is on of moving from childhood to adulthood, Auel masterfully weaves vivid details about the setting, while keeping the reader engaged in the plot. Each character in the novel goes through his or her own individual struggle because of Aylas difference, yet because of the Auels writing style, it is easy for the reader to understand why each character is faced with difficult choices, rather than automatically siding with the main character. There is also depth to the descriptions that Auel uses, which makes it easy to understand the love between Ayla and her adopted parentsCreb and Izathe intensity of Brouds hatred toward Ayla, and the heart wrenching pain that is inflicted upon her.
Overall, the book is a fairly easy, but very captivating read.
Helpful Score: 4
I read a lot of books and this was one of my favorites. The story stays with you for many years. It is rich in detail of how the earth was after the ice age. The rest of the books have great discriptions also. All in all, it's a great series of one woman's struggles and journey to find her people.
Patricia M. (3catsmommy) reviewed The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book is so good I could not put it down, had to read it nonstop in a weekend-just to see what happens in the clan next! This writer is like you are really there living in this clan with these people. Now I know after resting my eyes and getting a few chores done-that in the next 2 days I will be drawn to the 2nd book in the series. Written in a seriously compelling way and the rich descriptive narrative ,the most enjoyable reading. Wow!!!!
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the most interesting and wonderful books a person could read. It tells the story of Ayla, who is a very strong character, who seems to be able to conquer all obstacles that come her way. Ayla is a Cro-magnon girl who is adopted into a group of Neanderthals. Ayla also has many skills which help her in her life and adventures. She is truly an inspiring character. I read this book a long time ago, but it has remained my favorite book of all time. The author makes you feel as if you are there with Ayla and she describes the landscape and time period beautifully. You will not be sorry if you decide to read this book. There are also four books that follow this book and they are, The Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters, The Plains of Passage and The Shelters of Stone. Happy Reading.
Jerelyn H. (I-F-Letty) -
Helpful Score: 1
As I said I really didn't expect to like this book, blame it on my Mother because she raved about it when it came out, and I was still a brat then and didn't want to like anything that she did. But doing the math I realized that she was the same age when it was released as I am now.
As for the book, Auel's research is evident in every pen stroke, It is a credible telling of a time period for which we only have fossils, cave paintings and the odd bog find. When understanding nature could only be dealt with with superstition. As a Cromagnon Ayla's story was compelling, and at time heart wrenching.
Orphaned by and earthquake at five she is left alone in the wilderness and wanders for days slowing dying of starvation and exposure, when attacked by a cave lion she is finally near death when the Neanderthal Clan finds her. Saved by the clan's Medicine Woman and the clan's Shaman, Alya is reluctantly taken into the clan. The story follows as she struggled with her oh so obvious differences, and against Broud's (the chief's son and heir apparent) unrelenting hatred of her. Is Alya lucky for the clan? It seems so, she finds a bitchin cave for them in which to live.
Against all tradition she learns to hunt, a task that is strictly forbidden to females, and excels in everything she tries. In saving the life of Broud and his mate's child it is discovered that she has mastered the sling and that she has indeed been hunting. Alya is cast out only if she survives for a month can she return. Of course she does return which makes Broud more determined to crush her. He hates her so much that as they grow into adulthood the only way he can dominate her is to force her to submit to him sexually. This is where I was thinking Auel fell flat. In her world these people had some convoluted idea of how babies are made. You can't tell me that even Neanderthals didn't see beasts mating and make the connection. Anyway, Alya has Broud's child a connection no one make's but her. As her protectors age and die it become inevitable that she must leave and find her own people. I will give it 4 out of 5 stars.
As for the book, Auel's research is evident in every pen stroke, It is a credible telling of a time period for which we only have fossils, cave paintings and the odd bog find. When understanding nature could only be dealt with with superstition. As a Cromagnon Ayla's story was compelling, and at time heart wrenching.
Orphaned by and earthquake at five she is left alone in the wilderness and wanders for days slowing dying of starvation and exposure, when attacked by a cave lion she is finally near death when the Neanderthal Clan finds her. Saved by the clan's Medicine Woman and the clan's Shaman, Alya is reluctantly taken into the clan. The story follows as she struggled with her oh so obvious differences, and against Broud's (the chief's son and heir apparent) unrelenting hatred of her. Is Alya lucky for the clan? It seems so, she finds a bitchin cave for them in which to live.
Against all tradition she learns to hunt, a task that is strictly forbidden to females, and excels in everything she tries. In saving the life of Broud and his mate's child it is discovered that she has mastered the sling and that she has indeed been hunting. Alya is cast out only if she survives for a month can she return. Of course she does return which makes Broud more determined to crush her. He hates her so much that as they grow into adulthood the only way he can dominate her is to force her to submit to him sexually. This is where I was thinking Auel fell flat. In her world these people had some convoluted idea of how babies are made. You can't tell me that even Neanderthals didn't see beasts mating and make the connection. Anyway, Alya has Broud's child a connection no one make's but her. As her protectors age and die it become inevitable that she must leave and find her own people. I will give it 4 out of 5 stars.
