The Clan of the Cave Bear (novel)

*The Clan of the Cave Bear* is a historical novel by Jean M. Auel set during the Ice Age, around 30,000 years ago. It follows Ayla, a young girl orphaned and raised by a Neanderthal clan. The story explores her struggles to navigate a world shaped by survival, differences, and adaptation, highlighting the contrasts between Neanderthals and early modern humans. Through Ayla’s experiences, the novel examines themes of identity, belonging, and the human capacity for innovation and empathy in primitive times. It offers a vivid depiction of prehistoric life and the complexities of early human relationships.