[HPFGU-OTChatter] Book list

[Morianna X. Smythe]

Ok-this topic is one I can speak to without fear of "posting in haste."
  
In the twenty-odd years since Clan of the Cavebear was written, much
research into the possible interactions of Neanderthals and Modern
Humans (Cro-Magnon) has been conducted.  A re-analysis of a small bone
in the throat (the hyoid) and the bottom of the skull (cranial flexing
and the shape of the sphenoid-occipital synchrondrosis) give evidence
that Neanderthals *could have been* just as articulate as Modern
Humans-in other words, there is nothing about their anatomy which
precludes speech.   Also a possible "hybrid" (much like Ayla's son,
Durc) has been unearthed in a rockshelter in Spain.  As in much of
paleoscience, however, every hypothesis is strongly supported by some
and equally vilified by others.  We probably will never know for certain
if Neanderthals possessed symbolic spoken language.
 
I read the first book of the series when I was 13-the violence and
"sex/rape" didn't seem extreme to me then.but I wouldn't let an 8 year
old read it, I don't think.  
 
Also, this book was directly responsible for me becoming an
anthropologist-I studied under some of the professors Ms. Auel contacted
during her research.  Ms. Auel performed an incredible amount of
research for her books, and it shows.  Twenty-odd years later, most of
my anthropology students still read her series.  
 
And to keep this posting more-or-less on topic, might I suggest the
Chronicles of Thomas Covenant-the Unbeliever (or has that already been
suggested?).  Same author (Steven R. Donaldson) also wrote "Mordant's
Need". a nice fantasy duology.   Snape lovers might find superficial
similarities to Master Eramis.  It's all about the sneer, baby <evil
grin>.
 
Prof Mori
 
 
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They might be a little violent for kids, except perhaps high school age.
There is extreme violence and rape in Clan of the Cave Bear.  That first
book was fascinating as a possible glimpse into prehistoric times, but
not
something I'd consider for children.  t least not parts of it.  

Sherry


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