Cherry Howell

A strange book, difficult to understand the sequence of events at times, but an honest portrayal of a chaotic, incomprehensible childhood. Zadok's use of language and imagery conjures up a dark world of bad fairies and evil tokoloshe. The setting of the story in dusty dorpies and ramshackle remote farmhouses gives credence to the web of deceit and betrayal which is the basis of this award winning novel.

Fascinating narrative of Ayla, the Cro-Magnon heroine who seeks her identity in a hostile, prehistoric world. I found it spellbinding. The background info about geology and weather and fauna/flora was so interesting. There are 4 sequels... I've read them all!