Lenka S. reviewed on 10/6/2010 + 829 more book reviews

From Library Journal
When Picture Maker was published last year, readers discovered a heroine every bit as intriguing as the young Ayla of Jean Auel's "Earth's Children" series. Gahrahstah's epic journey, set in 14th-century North America, took her from the East Coast of what would become the United States through Canada to Greenland. This sequel opens with Gahrahstah's death. Because of her non-Christian beliefs, Gahrahstah and her husband, daughter Ingrid, and stepsons have been living in exile for the past 12 years. Upon her death, her husband and children return to their village in Greenland. Regrettably, the church still considers the family a threat to the community. After the village is raided by the English and threatened by famine, the small family makes its way back to Gahrahstah's adopted Inuit family. From there, Ingrid, who has been an outsider all her life because of her mixed Mohawk-Greenland heritage, retraces her mother's journey in reverse and eventually finds her true family. Despite exhaustively researched historical details, Spinka's follow-up pales in comparison with the first book. The characters are not as compelling, and the plot sometimes lags a bit. Still, libraries owning the first volume should get this one. Also recommended for public libraries where Auel has a big following. [A Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selection.]-Jane Baird, Anchorage Municipal Libs., A.
--Jane Baird, Anchorage Municipal Libs., AK

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