I thoroughly enjoyed Auel's prior writings and had eagerly looked forward to this novel. I was very disappointed because it was so boring and repetitive. Where was the plot? I kept thinking that Ayla was going to decide to search for her son, Durc or that there would be an encounter with the "flatheads" and Ayla would have to act as an interpreter. I wish I could understand why Ms. Auel would tempt her readers with signs that either of these plots would develope but never followed through. I would have given this a two star rating if I hadn't had such high expectations.