In 1977 when Jean Auel first decided she was going to write about life as it was over 30,000 years ago, she knew she was going to write a series of 6 books about Earth’s Children, before she’d even written her first. Sadly, for her fans, Land of the Painted Caves is number six in this series.
My father and I started reading her series with the first, Clan of the Cave Bear, which chronicled the early years of the series’ heroine, Ayla. The book was a big fat engrossing read, and while satisfying, you knew the story wasn’t over. She followed with the next 4 books which continued the story of both mankind’s and Ayla’s maturation. The culmination, Land of the Painted Caves brings us to Ayla in her mid 20’s as a wife, mother, and donii (medicine woman, one who serves The Mother).
As usual Mrs. Auel brings the story to life with her detailed and historically correct descriptions of life before the wheel. Land of the Painted Cave brings us to Ayla coming into her own within her tribe at the 9th Cave of the Zelondonii. The lessons she learned with the Clan, and with the other tribes she’d visited and lived with, were brought to test as she visited all the sacred painted caves within the Zelandonii area. She treats childbirth, infections, fractures, and measles along the path. Her relationship with Wolf, and her horses, Whinny, Racer, and Gray, are beginning to be accepted among the people she visits, but many are amazed by the control and obvious affection between Ayla and her animals. Experimenting with herbs and teas she takes her journey to meet The Mother, and comes back with a startling announcement that will change the path of humankind from that day forward.
I love the characters in the Earth Children series. Mrs. Auel takes time to fully flesh out each one, until you feel as if you know them like you know your own family and neighbors. Jondalar offers some disappointments in this story, but his love for Ayla transcends the traditions and actions of the day they live in. Little Jonayla gives us a hint of who she may be in her future, and I admit, I was hoping for more books so we could follow her as well.
Even if you haven’t read the books that came before this one, you will be engrossed within moments. I read this on my Kindle, but will also purchase the hardback to add to my collection. I hope there will be more!