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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
There were definitely situations in this book that dragged on way too long. The part I was waiting for happened in the last 20 pages. But it was worth it
This novel is the third in [a:Jean M Auel|861|Jean M. Auel|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1206470150p2/861.jpg]'s Earth's Children series. It picks up at the exact moment that its predecessor, [b:The Valley of Horses|40493|The Valley of Horses|Jean M. Auel|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169436628s/40493.jpg|630903] leaves off; with Ayla and her new companion, Jondalar, meeting "Others". This novel is the story of how Ayla, who has previously lived alone for years, and before that was raised by a group of Neanderthals, learns to live with a functioning group of humans like herself.
This is neither my favorite nor my least favorite of the books in this series. In it, Ayla struggles to learn how to live within the context and customs of a people who are new to herself; she learns to navigate between staying true to herself and learning to adapt to others.
Like the others in this series, this is a long book, but well worth the read. I've read it as many times as the others in this series, at least once a year since I was 12.
Note: although I began reading this series at what now seems to be a very young age, this book, as well as its sequels, contains very graphic details of sexual acts. I would recommend this to any adult who wants to learn more about the emerging world of humans in the ice age, and who wants to read a really well-written story.
A further note: although each of these novels can be read on their own, the experience is far greater when reading them sequentially. Each novel builds upon the details on its predecessors; in this case, the sum is far greater than its parts.
This is neither my favorite nor my least favorite of the books in this series. In it, Ayla struggles to learn how to live within the context and customs of a people who are new to herself; she learns to navigate between staying true to herself and learning to adapt to others.
Like the others in this series, this is a long book, but well worth the read. I've read it as many times as the others in this series, at least once a year since I was 12.
Note: although I began reading this series at what now seems to be a very young age, this book, as well as its sequels, contains very graphic details of sexual acts. I would recommend this to any adult who wants to learn more about the emerging world of humans in the ice age, and who wants to read a really well-written story.
A further note: although each of these novels can be read on their own, the experience is far greater when reading them sequentially. Each novel builds upon the details on its predecessors; in this case, the sum is far greater than its parts.
My favorite one of the series! Likely because it caused me a lot of strong emotions. I hated Ayla for a good moment towards the last third of the book. I also hated him for not hating her like I did. But, I came to my senses and got over my anger and enjoyed the book.
On my latest read through the series, I've contemplated the necessity of Jondalar's character, as he becomes especially tiresome in this book. While he's Ayla's male counterpart, a man par excellence, The Mother's Gift to Women, his inability to communicate with Ayla is frustrating. I do not care about this man's growth in learning to love and getting over his Neanderthal bias. He's a mechanism for Ayla to find more people like herself and learn to speak verbal languages, but I don't think he's necessary for the narrative. Granted, the later books would be quite different without him, as he's the driving force behind the journeys told there. However, I think there is sufficient tension in Ayla learning how "her people" interact versus what she learned growing up with the Clan as well as seeing the new ways people survive in different climates. It could have been better.
Some people love Ranec - I found his desperation far outweighed his charm. He also objectifies Ayla - viewing her more as a goddess than an actual person. We never see them connecting on their shared experiences or values; the relationship is very surface-level. Perhaps this was a way of making the relationship with Jondalar more appealing, but it doesn't do Ranec or Ayla credit. The tension between the three characters rides mostly on the miscommunication and Jondalar's intense longing mixed with confusion. It could have been so much better.
What I enjoy about this entry in the Earth's Children series: it's a deep look into another Cro Magnon group's culture and religion. It's particularly nice how Auel connects the Mamutoi with the Clan through several characters. These connections ease Ayla's way into this new group and help her learn how she'll be welcomed across the speaking world in a kinder way.
The Mamutoi live on the periglacial steppes, an environment distinct from the forests where the Clan lives and the river/hills of the Sharamudoi. The extensive descriptions of how the different groups live in their environment keeps me engaged with this series. In particular, you learn a lot about how to establish and maintain a home without trees or wood in this novel. You also learn different leather treatments and a whole lot about every way people can use mammoths.
I've read this book several times, so there's obviously a comfort factor here. Is it the best written or structured story? Nope. But is it compelling and interesting? Yep, especially if you like learning about how people survived in the Stone Age.
Some people love Ranec - I found his desperation far outweighed his charm. He also objectifies Ayla - viewing her more as a goddess than an actual person. We never see them connecting on their shared experiences or values; the relationship is very surface-level. Perhaps this was a way of making the relationship with Jondalar more appealing, but it doesn't do Ranec or Ayla credit. The tension between the three characters rides mostly on the miscommunication and Jondalar's intense longing mixed with confusion. It could have been so much better.
What I enjoy about this entry in the Earth's Children series: it's a deep look into another Cro Magnon group's culture and religion. It's particularly nice how Auel connects the Mamutoi with the Clan through several characters. These connections ease Ayla's way into this new group and help her learn how she'll be welcomed across the speaking world in a kinder way.
The Mamutoi live on the periglacial steppes, an environment distinct from the forests where the Clan lives and the river/hills of the Sharamudoi. The extensive descriptions of how the different groups live in their environment keeps me engaged with this series. In particular, you learn a lot about how to establish and maintain a home without trees or wood in this novel. You also learn different leather treatments and a whole lot about every way people can use mammoths.
I've read this book several times, so there's obviously a comfort factor here. Is it the best written or structured story? Nope. But is it compelling and interesting? Yep, especially if you like learning about how people survived in the Stone Age.
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This series is very interesting. She did a lot of research
While I enjoyed this book a great deal, it rates a little lower for me than the previous book. As the series progresses, there is more repetition of passages from previous books that I skimmed through since I remembered the information from previous books. The sense of discovery throughout the book is probably one of the most compelling threads, which runs through the whole series.
The love triangle through most of the book was very painful to read at times. Auel really pushes misunderstandings and mixed signals to the limit, though I do understand her intent is to underscore the cultural differences and personal growth that must take place for key characters. I really enjoyed being immersed in the Mamutoi culture.
The love triangle through most of the book was very painful to read at times. Auel really pushes misunderstandings and mixed signals to the limit, though I do understand her intent is to underscore the cultural differences and personal growth that must take place for key characters. I really enjoyed being immersed in the Mamutoi culture.
Although I loved the book, good grief, Auel sure knows how to drag out a conflict! 75% of "Mammoth Hunters" could have been rendered moot with one 5 minute conversation between the two main characters. Auel also has a problem repeating things over and over ad-nauseam. It makes the reader feel as if she has a low opinion of our intelligence. On the positive, this book was a fascinating peek into what we believe could have been the lifestyle of prehistoric man. It was also nice to see Ayla's character maturing. Overall, a pleasant read.
What makes this book only two stars is that the author takes a story that could be 300 pages and makes it 700. I feel like I read the same ideas 20+ times. At some point, I just started skimming, and don't feel I missed much.
I love Ayla and her journey, but I just wish it wasn't do painstakingly long to get through a book!
I love Ayla and her journey, but I just wish it wasn't do painstakingly long to get through a book!