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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
Nice speculation fiction on the time period where neanderthal were going extinct compared to humans.
Overall: 5
Characters: 4
Story: 5
Plot: 5
Writing: 4
Setting: 5
Worldbuilding: 5
Enjoyment: 4
I expected this book to be an interesting and imaginative read about what it would have been like when Neanderthals came into contact with humans during their slow demise into extinction. What I didn’t expect was to be moved to tears. This author managed to capture the despair of losing everything that gives you meaning, the hope and strength that propels us to continue to fight for survival, how that hope can lead us to find new forms of meaning, the difficulties of being a mother alone with no support, the painful realization that women, no matter how strong we are, can’t have everything (motherhood and career) without some really difficult sacrifices, and so much more, all while delivering a story that is highly compelling, imaginative, exciting, and immersive.
Characters: 4
Story: 5
Plot: 5
Writing: 4
Setting: 5
Worldbuilding: 5
Enjoyment: 4
I expected this book to be an interesting and imaginative read about what it would have been like when Neanderthals came into contact with humans during their slow demise into extinction. What I didn’t expect was to be moved to tears. This author managed to capture the despair of losing everything that gives you meaning, the hope and strength that propels us to continue to fight for survival, how that hope can lead us to find new forms of meaning, the difficulties of being a mother alone with no support, the painful realization that women, no matter how strong we are, can’t have everything (motherhood and career) without some really difficult sacrifices, and so much more, all while delivering a story that is highly compelling, imaginative, exciting, and immersive.
I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
The story begins with Girl and the last family of Neanderthals roams the earth. When her family dies, Girl is left to care for Runt a young boy with unknown history that her family adopted.
Rose, running an archaeological dig finds the bones of a Neanderthal laying beside and facing the bones of a Homo sapien. When Rose discovers knows is pregnant, she endeavors to complete her work at the dig before she is forced to surrender the discovery to her less knowledgeable co-worker.
The story alternates between Neanderthal Girl and modern day Rose. Across time, both women share the triumphs and defeats of the female sex.
3☆
The story begins with Girl and the last family of Neanderthals roams the earth. When her family dies, Girl is left to care for Runt a young boy with unknown history that her family adopted.
Rose, running an archaeological dig finds the bones of a Neanderthal laying beside and facing the bones of a Homo sapien. When Rose discovers knows is pregnant, she endeavors to complete her work at the dig before she is forced to surrender the discovery to her less knowledgeable co-worker.
The story alternates between Neanderthal Girl and modern day Rose. Across time, both women share the triumphs and defeats of the female sex.
3☆
I really enjoyed this work of speculative historical fiction. The Girl storyline was brutal, lonesome, and haunting, and I appear to be one of the few readers who also enjoyed the present day interludes. I found they provided a nice break from the tension as well as a break from the one-note women-in-STEM/academia-vs-motherhood portrayals we get in movies like Gravity and Arrival (and, quite frankly, relatable to me in how I might react to my own potential motherhood).
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I adored the idea of this book! I still think that the concept has merit, but unfortunately, I don’t think it was well-done.
By far, the better sections of the book are those taking place in the distant past, and perhaps this is because we don’t know anything about how those characters would be, and whether or not they are realistic. They still felt fresh and interesting. . . unfortunately, the book description reveals where the plot will take us FIFTY PERCENT INTO THE NOVEL, so the suspense about what is going to happen is lacking for most of the read.
Speaking of suspense, is it a technique to have some type of action finally happening, and then draw out that imperative by suddenly switching over to an observation about a boring subject, like where or when hazelnuts grow?? This happens frequently during exciting buffalo hunts and other adventures, to the point that I wondered if the author was holding back deliberately. It did not pique my interest, to say the least.
There are some other fiddly things I noticed, such as, “If they can smell this, why can’t they smell that?” or “when did she bring that along??” or “do we need to use the very modern terms ‘pooped’ or ‘dirt nap’ all of a sudden?” but they are not as relevant. For my own reference, because it’s a pet peeve, “shock” is used to describe hair at least seven times.
The modern parts of the novel felt extremely weak and almost cartoony to me. The protagonist is frankly pretty irritating, and not on purpose. She seems to have zero ability to use foresight or make a decision, and I just kind of wanted to scream at her for one reason or another during each modern chapter. Maybe this is even compounded when contrasted (intentionally!) with Girl, the Neanderthal. Rose has so many options and resources that she chooses not to use or even contemplate! I think the intent of writing two narratives about motherhood designed to mirror each other caused the author to focus on that idea, rather than on what Rose could actually do, and what would make **any sense**.
The protagonist and one other character—I won’t reveal which, because it comes so late that it’s actually kind of A SPOILER—are the only ones which show any dimension. I wish I could believe that the other characters seem so flat as a statement about the Neanderthal-era characters! I suspect that they were just kind of thrown in as scenery for Rose, and that. . . happens. I mean, does the Dr. Pepper swilling jokester assistant really need to be a dynamic character? It’s just that we do spend a lot of time with these as we’re waiting for Rose to waffle around.
This is a pretty scathing review, but I actually didn’t despise the book as much as it sounds like I did. I thought that most of the Neanderthal narrative, and the very-ends of both narratives, were quite good. There were some things that I genuinely didn’t expect (which seems difficult, considering that one protagonist is finding the other’s bones), and some plot points that felt genuine and raw and affecting. I ended up happy for Rose, against all odds!
I think that perhaps the author had a really great creative spark upon seeing the photo (included at the end) of the skeletons, and that’s not a bad thing. A lot of people seem to have loved the result, and I don’t have to be one of them. Much Warm to Claire Cameron.
By far, the better sections of the book are those taking place in the distant past, and perhaps this is because we don’t know anything about how those characters would be, and whether or not they are realistic. They still felt fresh and interesting. . . unfortunately, the book description reveals where the plot will take us FIFTY PERCENT INTO THE NOVEL, so the suspense about what is going to happen is lacking for most of the read.
Speaking of suspense, is it a technique to have some type of action finally happening, and then draw out that imperative by suddenly switching over to an observation about a boring subject, like where or when hazelnuts grow?? This happens frequently during exciting buffalo hunts and other adventures, to the point that I wondered if the author was holding back deliberately. It did not pique my interest, to say the least.
There are some other fiddly things I noticed, such as, “If they can smell this, why can’t they smell that?” or “when did she bring that along??” or “do we need to use the very modern terms ‘pooped’ or ‘dirt nap’ all of a sudden?” but they are not as relevant. For my own reference, because it’s a pet peeve, “shock” is used to describe hair at least seven times.
The modern parts of the novel felt extremely weak and almost cartoony to me. The protagonist is frankly pretty irritating, and not on purpose. She seems to have zero ability to use foresight or make a decision, and I just kind of wanted to scream at her for one reason or another during each modern chapter. Maybe this is even compounded when contrasted (intentionally!) with Girl, the Neanderthal. Rose has so many options and resources that she chooses not to use or even contemplate! I think the intent of writing two narratives about motherhood designed to mirror each other caused the author to focus on that idea, rather than on what Rose could actually do, and what would make **any sense**.
The protagonist and one other character—I won’t reveal which, because it comes so late that it’s actually kind of A SPOILER—are the only ones which show any dimension. I wish I could believe that the other characters seem so flat as a statement about the Neanderthal-era characters! I suspect that they were just kind of thrown in as scenery for Rose, and that. . . happens. I mean, does the Dr. Pepper swilling jokester assistant really need to be a dynamic character? It’s just that we do spend a lot of time with these as we’re waiting for Rose to waffle around.
This is a pretty scathing review, but I actually didn’t despise the book as much as it sounds like I did. I thought that most of the Neanderthal narrative, and the very-ends of both narratives, were quite good. There were some things that I genuinely didn’t expect (which seems difficult, considering that one protagonist is finding the other’s bones), and some plot points that felt genuine and raw and affecting. I ended up happy for Rose, against all odds!
I think that perhaps the author had a really great creative spark upon seeing the photo (included at the end) of the skeletons, and that’s not a bad thing. A lot of people seem to have loved the result, and I don’t have to be one of them. Much Warm to Claire Cameron.
From the moment that I heard about this book, I knew that I had to read it. I’m fascinated by the Neanderthals so a fiction story built around them sounded perfect for me! And it was so good. I was worried it would be too focused on the science part of the story but it has such a great balance. The story centers around two women – one who is a member of the last Neanderthal family 40,000 years ago and one who is an archaeologist who is working to excavate new Neanderthal artifacts. The stories of these women just captivated me. The way that Claire Cameron creates the world of the Neanderthal – the detailed aspects of their lives, although mostly fiction, was so well done and captivating to me. I enjoyed seeing what Clair Cameron imagined life to be for these Neanderthals and how they made their way through life.
One of the things that I think stands out most to me is the characterization of motherhood from both women’s perspectives. The experience, the sacrifices, the challenges. I found these views into motherhood to be very realistic and raw. Unflinchingly honest, frank. Motherhood is in no way easy but many novels suggest that it’s all love and rainbows. I really appreciated the realistic perspective that this novel gives to motherhood and it’s overwhelming love and fear.
All in all, I found this to be a very moving novel that gave me a new perspective on humanity and how it changes (and doesn’t) over time. It’s a very interesting look at two very different yet closely connected women. I loved the interesting view into the lives of the Neanderthal population. Overall, this is a fantastic novel that I definitely recommend due to it being very unique and thought provoking. It’s a moving novel that I suspect will stick with me for some time.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with the ARC for an honest review.
One of the things that I think stands out most to me is the characterization of motherhood from both women’s perspectives. The experience, the sacrifices, the challenges. I found these views into motherhood to be very realistic and raw. Unflinchingly honest, frank. Motherhood is in no way easy but many novels suggest that it’s all love and rainbows. I really appreciated the realistic perspective that this novel gives to motherhood and it’s overwhelming love and fear.
All in all, I found this to be a very moving novel that gave me a new perspective on humanity and how it changes (and doesn’t) over time. It’s a very interesting look at two very different yet closely connected women. I loved the interesting view into the lives of the Neanderthal population. Overall, this is a fantastic novel that I definitely recommend due to it being very unique and thought provoking. It’s a moving novel that I suspect will stick with me for some time.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with the ARC for an honest review.
This book was alright. I liked the premise, but it wasn't as well executed as I had hoped it would be.
Not quite sure why I powered through and finished this, as it was fairly dull all the way through. Intriguing concept but not particularly well executed.
When considering requesting a copy of The Last Neanderthal for reviewing, in true Michelle fashion I skimmed the synopsis, said this sounds interesting, and hit the Request button. There is always danger to that process, and I have been caught more than once reading something on which I would have passed had I more closely read the synopsis. In the case of Claire Cameron‘s novel, it worked. While it was not what I expected it to be, I was still impressed with the story she tells, especially about the Neanderthal woman.
The Last Neanderthal is a tale of two women. What is surprising is how different your reactions are to each woman, even though their circumstances are similar. Girl is a remarkable survivor, intent on preserving her family and its traditions but not afraid to break from those traditions as required. She is surprisingly independent but still puts the needs of her family ahead of her own. The hardships she endures would break most people, but she seems to thrive on them. She is intelligent, thoughtful, self-aware, and resilient.
Rosamund is equally intelligent, self-aware, resilient, and thoughtful, but she is not quite as enjoyable a character as Girl. Perhaps it is because Rosamund has the ability to speak, whereas Girl cannot. Girl must rely on facial cues, body language, and hand signals to express her thoughts, wishes, and demands. This means she must weigh her thoughts before expressing them to determine just what she wants to “say.” There is a deliberate carefulness to her actions which prevents her from acting out in anger or saying something she does not intend to say. Rosamund is not bound by such constraints, and often her words come out shrill and harsh. While Rosamund is just trying to protect what is hers and live her own life, her responses to potential threats are much more strident and discomfiting, making her almost unlikable.
Ms. Cameron develops a vibrant story for Girl and her Neanderthal family. In fact, they virtually come alive. No matter that most of how they shared dreams, what they thought, and what they felt is pure speculation, Ms. Cameron bridges the gap between theory and fiction to create a family that is no different than you or me in all the ways that matter. The differences, as one would expect because they are a different species after all, are intriguing and are so well incorporated into the novel that one wonders if they could possibly have existed. They also give rise to questions about certain abilities that did not carry over between the species. The fact that there is no way to prove Ms. Cameron correct is disappointing but adds a little spice to her interpretation of Neanderthal communication and their use of their senses.
The scenes in which Rosamund is the focus are drab in comparison to those with Girl. Some of this has to do with the fact that Rosamund is not nearly as sympathetic a character as Girl; her lack of soft skills may make her formidable in the field but do nothing to endear her to readers. It also has to do with familiarity. There have been many books written about women in traditionally male-held careers who struggle to keep their position/authority/prestige when faced with pending motherhood, and Rosamund’s story does not provide any new insight into that perpetual battle. My general dislike of Rosamund and her reactions to her situation had me skimming those sections in order to get back to Girl and her very unique predicaments.
Because of this disconnect between Rosamund and the reader, it is difficult to wholly endorse The Last Neanderthal. I wanted so much more of Girl and her story and much less of Rosamund and hers. The book is entitled The Last Neanderthal after all, so not only are the modern-day sections jarring, they are almost unwanted. Girl and her family are so well-developed and so interesting, they are strong enough to hold forth over an entire novel. Unfortunately, Ms. Cameron did not agree.
The Last Neanderthal is a tale of two women. What is surprising is how different your reactions are to each woman, even though their circumstances are similar. Girl is a remarkable survivor, intent on preserving her family and its traditions but not afraid to break from those traditions as required. She is surprisingly independent but still puts the needs of her family ahead of her own. The hardships she endures would break most people, but she seems to thrive on them. She is intelligent, thoughtful, self-aware, and resilient.
Rosamund is equally intelligent, self-aware, resilient, and thoughtful, but she is not quite as enjoyable a character as Girl. Perhaps it is because Rosamund has the ability to speak, whereas Girl cannot. Girl must rely on facial cues, body language, and hand signals to express her thoughts, wishes, and demands. This means she must weigh her thoughts before expressing them to determine just what she wants to “say.” There is a deliberate carefulness to her actions which prevents her from acting out in anger or saying something she does not intend to say. Rosamund is not bound by such constraints, and often her words come out shrill and harsh. While Rosamund is just trying to protect what is hers and live her own life, her responses to potential threats are much more strident and discomfiting, making her almost unlikable.
Ms. Cameron develops a vibrant story for Girl and her Neanderthal family. In fact, they virtually come alive. No matter that most of how they shared dreams, what they thought, and what they felt is pure speculation, Ms. Cameron bridges the gap between theory and fiction to create a family that is no different than you or me in all the ways that matter. The differences, as one would expect because they are a different species after all, are intriguing and are so well incorporated into the novel that one wonders if they could possibly have existed. They also give rise to questions about certain abilities that did not carry over between the species. The fact that there is no way to prove Ms. Cameron correct is disappointing but adds a little spice to her interpretation of Neanderthal communication and their use of their senses.
The scenes in which Rosamund is the focus are drab in comparison to those with Girl. Some of this has to do with the fact that Rosamund is not nearly as sympathetic a character as Girl; her lack of soft skills may make her formidable in the field but do nothing to endear her to readers. It also has to do with familiarity. There have been many books written about women in traditionally male-held careers who struggle to keep their position/authority/prestige when faced with pending motherhood, and Rosamund’s story does not provide any new insight into that perpetual battle. My general dislike of Rosamund and her reactions to her situation had me skimming those sections in order to get back to Girl and her very unique predicaments.
Because of this disconnect between Rosamund and the reader, it is difficult to wholly endorse The Last Neanderthal. I wanted so much more of Girl and her story and much less of Rosamund and hers. The book is entitled The Last Neanderthal after all, so not only are the modern-day sections jarring, they are almost unwanted. Girl and her family are so well-developed and so interesting, they are strong enough to hold forth over an entire novel. Unfortunately, Ms. Cameron did not agree.