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The Shelters of Stone

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About this listen

 Ayla and Jondalar have reached home: the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, the old stone age settlement in the region known today as south-west France. Ayla has much to learn from the Zelandonii as well as much to teach them. Jondalar's family are initially wary of the beautiful young woman he has brought back, with her strange accent and her tame wolf and horses. She is delighted when she meets Zelandoni, the spiritual leader of her people, a fellow healer with whom she can share her medicinal skills. After the rigours and dangers that have characterised her extraordinary life, Ayla yearns for peace and tranquillity; to be Jondalar's mate and to have children. But her unique spiritual gifts cannot be ignored, and even as she gives birth to their eagerly-awaited child, she is coming to accept that she has a greater role to play in the destiny of the Zelandonii.

(P)2004 AudioGO Ltd©2002 Jean M. Auel Ancient Fiction Historical Fiction

Critic reviews

Jean Auel's greatest achievement is to have created a plausible primeval community where men and women love and sometimes hate, and learn to survive in a harsh environment that demands rules and co-operation.
Meticulously researched . . . fascinating . . . course-by-course menus for Upper Paleolithic blow-outs . . . that Joanne Harris might envy. Jean Auel is as remarkable a figure as J R R Tolkien.
Jean M. Auel has meticulously researched her subject and this latest book should continue the huge success of the series.
As always, Auel has meticulously researched her prehistoric subject and this latest offering is a triumphant continuation of the saga.
Massive in scope
Impeccable research makes this much more than a fantasy reconstruction of prehistoric life.
Bursting with hard information about ancient days and awash in steamy sex . . . Auel's latest will not only please her legions of fans but will hit the top of the list, pronto.
Enthralling, exciting and impossible to put down.
A rewarding read. A brilliant work of imagination
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to The Shelters of Stone again? Why?

I could listen to this story so many times. Having already read it, but now finding reading difficult due to failing eyesight, I have rediscovered these old friends anew and am delighting in the pleasure of the stories.

What other book might you compare The Shelters of Stone to, and why?

In my view there is no other book which can compare with this. The whole Clan of the Cave Bear Saga is a one-off and is so delightful in its development in the life of the young woman, Ayla.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

My favourite scene was when Ayla and Jondalar finally reached the land of the Zelandoni and she met Jondalar's family, at long last becoming a respected person in her own right.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could not stop listening to this, and unfortunately fell asleep on several occasions so that I had to rewind. In order to rectify this, I resorted to listening while in the bath - a most leisurely and much recommended way to have a long soak in a bath.

Any additional comments?

One of the best series of stories to have been produced in the modern day.

Timeless

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I truly love this series of books by Jean M Auel
this is the 3rd or 4th time through and first without reading them but each time I continue to enjoy them

wonderfuly read and brilliant books

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I read the whole series in hard copy many many years ago but it’s a wonderful story with some of the very best reading to be found on Audible. Such flowing narration!

To be picky, there is, in my view, really too much repetition in the description of the pleasures but they are certainly a great handbook for the uninitiated on the subject.

Of course the telling of Ayla’s tale is a great analysis of the development of Homo sapiens alongside the Neanderthals and some thoughts on how the relationship between the two may have evolved. The development of skills and intelligence is, of course, concatenated as it no doubt took place over a hugely significant length of time rather than a generation. But that is a purposeful construct used to describe the changes.

Whatever criticisms may be brought, the series is a masterpiece of imagination combined with knowledge of the real world.

Thank you

This is a wonderful tale and a fitting follow-on to the earlier books in the series.

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This series is amazing, definitely worth a listen! Transports you to another world, a treat for the imagination.

Excellent as always!

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A great continuing story line, really feel for them. The story continues to evolve

Continuing story

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