Jean M. Auel, Clan of the Cave Bear

A very enjoyable book which is extremely well researched. Do not be put off that it opens with a five year old protagonist! Jean M. Auel successfully outlines the way our oldest ancestors lived, while incorporating, with deft skill, the imaginative story which is 'The Clan of the Cave Bear'.

The 'clan of the cave bear' take five year old Ayla in when she is found unconscious and alone, even though she is a different race of human being and looks completely different. These differences in Ayla threaten the traditions of the clan, and there are only so many accomodations for these differences they can tolerate.

This book is the first of five, outlining the life of Ayla, and the beginning of an unforgettable journey of a young woman in her prime.

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel has to be one of the best books I've ever read, it is truely brilliant. It is about a little girl, Ayla, who lives during the ice age. She looses her family and is adopted by Isa of the "Clan", at first the rest of the Clan do not approve of her as she is different, part of the "others", others soon warm to her although she is never fully accepted, the book revolves around Ayla and the trials and tribulations of growing up in a environment where she doesn't quite fit in. The book is very descriptive and at times I got lost in the book and couldn't put it down, the sequels are just as enjoyable and if you ever wondered what happens after the end of a book, it gives the perfect insite.