A review by kbusemeyer
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

adventurous dark reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I heard about this book on a podcast so I kind of knew what to expect but also didn’t. It’s an interesting concept although hard to read about women being so submissive and having been bred to be that submissive.

I did like seeing Ayla develop and learn to think on her own but also learn the Clan ways from Iza. Her relationship with Iza and Creb was really special.

The whole thing with Broad was really terrible, like I’m glad she stood up for herself somewhat and I hope we get the redemption of her getting to see her clan again and then finally rebelling against Broussard. Brun was an interesting character and it was nice to read his thoughts on the matter and see how Druc was accepted and all the trials that went into that.


Auel is a very descriptive writer, there were lots of sections that it felt really well researched to know about how to describe making a tool from flint, for example. I think this book was a good way to pass time, not life-changing but is interesting.
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