Review of 'The Clan of the Cave Bear'

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
1st book in the 'Earth's Children' series

The first in the “Earth's Children” series this award-winning novel takes place many thousands of years ago and follows the story of Ayla, one of the new race of humanity, who is adapted by a clan of an older race when her mother is killed in an earthquake. Ayla's physical and mental differences are a source of continual conflict within the clan as she attempts to adapt to the clan's way of doing things. She continually attempts to put aside her natural instincts as she follows clan tradition though, inevitably, her instincts prevail and cause her to question that which is not normally questioned. Broud, the future leader of the clan, is one who takes particular exception to Ayla who (unintentionally) causes his position in the clan to be questioned. Broud takes particular satisfaction in playing off the traditional clan practices to effect his revenge. Inevitably the conflict between Ayla and the traditional practices of the clan comes to a head with tragic results. This is an enthralling piece of well-written fiction set in meticulous detail in our distant past.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Genre: General Fiction

• The Valley of Horses (Book 2)
• The Mammoth Hunters (Book 3)
• The Plains of Passage (Book 4)

• The Mammoth Hunters (Book 3 of Earth's Children)
• The Plains of Passage (Book 4 of Earth's Children)
• The Valley of Horses (Book 2 of Earth's Children)