The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
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.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
