The Shelters of Stone

The novel begins with Ayla and her mate, Jondalar, arriving at the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, a group of people who live in what is now modern-day France. Ayla is excited to finally be able to settle down and start a family with Jondalar, but she quickly realizes that she is not fully accepted by the Zelandonii. Ayla’s upbringing by Neanderthals has left her with different customs and beliefs than the Cro-Magnons, and she struggles to fit in with her new community.

One of the main themes of The Shelters of Stone is the clash between different cultures. Ayla’s Neanderthal upbringing has left her with a deep respect for nature and a belief in the spirits that inhabit the world around her. The Zelandonii, on the other hand, are more focused on the practical aspects of survival and have a more hierarchical social structure. Ayla’s beliefs and customs often clash with those of the Zelandonii, and she finds herself constantly having to explain and defend her actions.

Another theme of the novel is the role of women in prehistoric societies. The Zelandonii are a matriarchal society, with women holding positions of power and influence. Ayla, who was raised in a more egalitarian society, struggles to adapt to the Zelandonii’s gender roles. She is often frustrated by the limitations placed on her as a woman, and she chafes against the expectations that she should be subservient to her mate.

Throughout the novel, Ayla also struggles with her relationship with Jondalar. The two of them have been together for several years, but their relationship is strained by their cultural differences and their different expectations for their future. Jondalar wants to settle down and start a family, but Ayla is still haunted by the loss of her son, Durc, and is hesitant to have another child. The tension between the two of them builds throughout the novel, and it is unclear whether they will be able to overcome their differences.

The audiobook version of The Shelters of Stone is narrated by Sandra Burr, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Burr’s narration is clear and easy to understand, and she does a good job of differentiating between the different characters. Her voice is pleasant to listen to, and she does a good job of conveying the emotions of the characters.

One of the strengths of the audiobook version of The Shelters of Stone is the way that it brings the prehistoric world to life. Auel’s descriptions of the landscape and the animals that inhabit it are vivid and detailed, and Burr’s narration helps to bring these descriptions to life. The audiobook also includes a number of songs and chants that are an important part of the Zelandonii’s culture. Burr does an excellent job of singing these songs, and they add an extra layer of depth to the audiobook.

Another strength of the audiobook version of The Shelters of Stone is the way that it captures the emotional depth of the novel. Auel’s writing is often very introspective, and the audiobook does an excellent job of conveying the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. Burr’s narration is particularly effective in capturing the pain and grief that Ayla feels over the loss of her son, Durc.

One potential weakness of the audiobook version of The Shelters of Stone is its length. At 34 hours, it is a very long audiobook, and some listeners may find it difficult to stay engaged for the entire length of the novel. However, the audiobook is broken up into chapters, which makes it easier to listen to in shorter segments.

Overall, The Shelters of Stone is a compelling novel that explores the challenges of cultural integration and the role of women in prehistoric societies. The audiobook version of the novel is an excellent way to experience the story, with Sandra Burr’s narration bringing the characters and the prehistoric world to life. While the length of the audiobook may be daunting for some listeners, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a rich and immersive listening experience.