Not for a long time have I read a book which I literally could not put down. However, since picking up this book on a whim, I was enthralled by the way Auel treats a difficult subject, totally immersing the reader into the life of the main character, Ayla.

Based in Upper Paleolithic Europe, the story revolves around the adoption of a Cro-Magnon child by a group of Neanderthals, who eventually accept her as one of their own. The story develops around Ayla’s journey of self-discovery and maturation. This is an excellent book and a must read for just about anybody.