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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I enjoy books that go back and forth in history, as this one did, but the historic chapters of the book were so much more interesting and engaging than the modern-day chapters that I wish the entire book had focused on the Neanderthal time period.
I do love a good dual timeline narrative, and the subject matter of this book felt different from the usual in the genre. I wasn't sure if the Neanderthal's story, given she has a vocabulary of less than half a dozen words, would make for riveting material. However, the author assuaged all of my doubts with such a strong voice for Girl, who is clearly the protagonist of this novel.
Going into it, I thought I'd be more compelled by the modern day heroine, Dr. Gale. Yet, I found myself riveted by the everyday life of survival for Girl and her family, and wanting to hurry through the present day struggles of Dr. Gale. In any other novel, her story would be fraught with tension; but set against the backdrop of the literal life and death struggles of her Neanderthal counterpart, the money and job woes paled in comparison.
Dr. Gale seems to serve as model for what we have lost versus the things we have gained in modern society. Cameron also deftly addresses how women's roles have changed in modern times, and there is a lot to unpack on feminism, family and what makes us human.
Additionally, the story made me more curious about the things that I might have missed in science class and the more recent studies on the intelligence Neanderthals. All around fascinating stuff that I would otherwise not have sought to learn more about - a sign of a really good book, methinks. Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company for an advance copy for my review!
(For more reviews and bookish musings: http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/)
Going into it, I thought I'd be more compelled by the modern day heroine, Dr. Gale. Yet, I found myself riveted by the everyday life of survival for Girl and her family, and wanting to hurry through the present day struggles of Dr. Gale. In any other novel, her story would be fraught with tension; but set against the backdrop of the literal life and death struggles of her Neanderthal counterpart, the money and job woes paled in comparison.
Dr. Gale seems to serve as model for what we have lost versus the things we have gained in modern society. Cameron also deftly addresses how women's roles have changed in modern times, and there is a lot to unpack on feminism, family and what makes us human.
Additionally, the story made me more curious about the things that I might have missed in science class and the more recent studies on the intelligence Neanderthals. All around fascinating stuff that I would otherwise not have sought to learn more about - a sign of a really good book, methinks. Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company for an advance copy for my review!
(For more reviews and bookish musings: http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/)
The story was interesting but I hated the main character, Rose. Who acts like that? The way she treated her boyfriend was horrible and weird. Girl was more interesting but there were too many descriptions.
Quick read. Really enjoyed the Neanderthal parts of the story.
I was really hopeful for this story, as its premise was really interesting to me. I like stories that transport me back in time, put me in the shoes of those who live lives completely different than mine, etc. But this book was pretty lack-luster for me...The POV of the neanderthal wasn't as interesting as I was anticipating and the POV from the woman (can't remember her name) in our modern day was annoying. Did not like her character at all. I found myself skim-reading (if not skipping whole pages) to get it done. The ending was also... I don't know if I want to go so far as to say dissatisfying, but it kind of was..
So, overall, this book just didn't do anything for me. The premise was interesting, but execution was less than captivating. Didn't hate it, but didn't like it.
So, overall, this book just didn't do anything for me. The premise was interesting, but execution was less than captivating. Didn't hate it, but didn't like it.
The bits set in the past were fascinating and poignant, especially with the family of Runt and Girl. I found the modern day parts rather wearisome, with a whiny protagonist and an awful work situation.
If you've ever imagined what life must have been like for early homo sapiens or neanderthals this is the book for you. Also loved the struggles of the academic that are paired with "Girls" story.
3.5 stars Strong opening, strong ending.
I read this for the Riffle Book Club, and thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for sending the ARC copy! (no, I didn't read to the schedule - I think reading it over the full 4 weeks of September would have taken away from its strength of seeing how the split narrative joined forces.
I read this for the Riffle Book Club, and thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for sending the ARC copy! (no, I didn't read to the schedule - I think reading it over the full 4 weeks of September would have taken away from its strength of seeing how the split narrative joined forces.
I usually find novels that play the historic past against events in the present to be somewhat ham-fisted, but Cameron’s stark tale never falls into that trap. This tale of an archaeologist and the Neanderthal she is excavating is incisive and moving without becoming obvious.
Read more at the Redeblog.
Read more at the Redeblog.
I mostly picked this book up because of the beautiful cover art. While I liked this book it would’ve been just as good without Rose’s chapters.