I’ve said this is worth consuming. I’m glad I did read it. It’s the story of a girl in prehistoric times who loses her family, and is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal people. She is ‘different’ – the medicine woman who adopts her loves her, and her intelligence is quickly recognised. But she makes enemies too, amidst general suspicion.

It’s an excellent idea, and brilliantly researched. The main characters came alive, and I felt for the first time as if I have some idea of what life really might have been like 35,000 years or so ago.

But I did find it overly long-winded, with excessively detailed descriptions of making tools, or finding herbs, which didn’t interest me much. There were also a few scenes that were rather gorier or more violent than I was comfortable with.

I don’t think I’m going to bother with the sequels, but I’m glad I did read this one, to give me an insight into something I hadn’t much thought about. For those who like a lot of practical detail in their fiction, it’s highly recommended. The writing is excellent, even though I’d have cut it down to about half if I’d been editing!