Date Finished: 25/02/2011
My Rating: 4.5/5
This was my second time round reading this book, and I loved it as much this time as I had the first time. Set approximately 30 - 35,000 years ago, the central character is Ayla who, at the start of the book is orphaned by an earthquake. Alone at 5 years old , and unwilling to stay at the site of the quake, she runs. She is eventually found, having survived on water alone, injured and unconscious by a group of Neanderthals, the Clan, who are looking for a new home after the same earthquake destroyed theirs. Their medicine woman is granted permission to help the child, and carries her with them. She is accepted into the Clan, although not necessarily by each individual member, and the resulting story is simply fantastic.
It is clear that Auel has researched this book thoroughly. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful, and Auel's knowledge of the medicinal use of plants of the time shines through. Based on what evidence is available, and making certain assumptions to fill in the gaps, Auel has built a story of survival, power and love. Ayla seems to have a different kind of intelligence, and her use of logic enables her to adapt her own abilities to benefit the clan. Her differences, both physical and in her mental ability, prove contentious throughout the story as she battles to behave in the manner expected of her.
This is a gripping novel, that I couldn't put down, and there were more tears in public I'm afraid. Just brilliant.
So, who should read this book? EVERYONE!!! I genuinely can't recommend this highly enough.
Next Book: The Godfather, Mario Puzo
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