The Clan of the Cave Bear
In Finnish: Luolakarhun klaani (1980).
Ayla's story begins when an earthquake separates a little girl from her family and she ends up in a Neanderthal clan.
by S'Paula
Children of the Earth – Jean M. Auel
Have you already traveled to Ice Age Europe with Ayla?
Behind Ayla's story is Jean M. Auel, a successful writer whose grandparents were all Finnish-American. The Children of the Earth series has been published in six parts, following the life of the girl Ayla in Ice Age Europe between the worlds of two different peoples.
The series combines careful background research, descriptions of prehistoric everyday life and a strong adventure story.
On this page I have compiled links to books, background information and fan sites – and a little special feature: if you want, try Mother's Song.
Children of the Earth Books
The Valley of Horses
In Finnish: Hevosten laakso (1982).
Ayla has to survive alone in the ice age wilderness and finds the Valley of Horses – and a new kind of family.
The Mammoth Hunters
In Finnish: Mammutin metsästäjät (1986).
Ayla and Jondalar join the clan of mammoth hunters, and their relationships become as hot as the embers of a campfire.
The Plains of Passage
In Finnish: Tasankojen vaeltajat (1990).
Ayla and Jondalar's long trek across Europe takes them to many different tribes all the way to the caves of Zelandon.
The Shelters of Stone
In Finnish: Luolien suojatit (2002).
Ayla finally arrives at the Jondalar home caves and tries to find her place amidst the beliefs, customs and jealousies of her new tribe.
The Land of Painted Caves
In Finnish: Maalattujen luolien maa (2011).
The final installment of the series takes Ayla to the famous cave painting sites and deep into the secrets of the Zelandoni religion.
Additional information and links
- Jean M. Untinen-Auel on Random House website
- ECfans.com – The largest discussion site for Auel's books, where the books have been carefully analyzed. We are also supporters of this volunteer site.
