The Valley of Horses

Jean M. Auel has outdone herself with this sequel to Clan Of The Cave Bear. I couldn't put it done, and my mother had to force me to do my chores. This was a wonderful and compelling novel to read. It was an extremely well written account of life for Ayla in the prehistoric times.

I enjoyed the plot given, the tale of her meeting Jondalar and her animals Whinny and Baby. I sometimes wished I was in her place. I sincerely recommend this book. Ayla was a wonderful heroine to read about.

Please, look beyond the graphic sex. Sex is a part of life. You can't shelter yourself from it. Those scenes were there to help tell the story of Ayla and her sexual awakening. Without it, the book would not have been complete. This book deserves more than five stars. I give it two thumbs way up.

P.S. Yes, I was a sixth grader when I read it. I've also read the other four books and await the fifth in earnest. Those of you who think that the sex in all of the books makes them trashy, get a damn life!


This book is excellent!   November 16, 1999
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

When I read the Clan of the Cave Bear, I was in seventh grade.(I'm in 8th, now) I loved it, and couldn't put it down. The same wentfor The Valley of Horses. Ayla is real, as are Jondalar, Whinney and Baby. Her story is touching, realistic and enjoyable. I recomend this book to just about everyone, along with its sequels, The Mammoth Hunters and the Plains of Passage.

Yes, there is sex in this book, and the ones that follow. Lots of sex. But you know, its really just something you have to live with. It's a major part of Ayla and Jondalar's lives, and probably yours too, if you're married or older than I am. And if you can get past the sex, it really IS an excellent book.


Superb!   April 28, 2000
Ehl (USA)
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I first read the Earth's Children series when I was in about seventh grade, while looking in a used book store for a book to do a report on. At first, I could not put Valley of Horses down, it compelled me! And I freely admit, I am a frustrating reader. I skipped every chapter with Jondalar and Thonolan, until of course, Jondalar and Ayla met, and then went back and skimmed. Even though I virtually (and literally) hacked my way through the book, Auel kept me enthralled. I couldn't leave it alone.

Then came the sex. I must admit, at thirteen years old, I was completely apalled that someone would have the gall to write such ilicite materiel. I skipped the sections, and completely missed out on the meaning of Ayla's awakening.

It wasn't until three years down the road, as a junior, that I found a replacement for my decapitated Valley of Horses. This time, I actually read from page one to the end without bouncing around, or skipping. I think it took being older, a mature mind, and the knowlege of the power of sexual relations between two people in love to truly appreciate Auel's masterpiece.

And it wasn't just the story and the sex that kept me into the book. It was the excellent insider view into the life of a prehistoric person. I could see myself walking on the beach with Ayla, digging pits to trap horses, and sitting next to Jondalar, watching him knap flint. Auel has researched so much; from botany, to hunting, to skills of the Ice Age that it isn't hard to accept something thirty five thousand years behind us.

I would encourage people to read this book, if you don't, you're missing out on a real treat.


Valley od Horses   September 18, 2005
Roxanne (Lowell, OR)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is the second time reading Valley of Horses and I will read it again. It is never boring, there are no slow parts. The author hads written this story in such a way, you feel everything Ayla feels. I cry and I laugh. I highly recommend Valley of Horses. However you should start at the beginning with Clan of the Cave Bear and then read the next four. You won't regret it.


For anyone who has ever been alone.   December 14, 2006
Graeme Moore (Australia)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The Earths Children series by Jean Auel is one of my true favourites.

Each book in the series has a pivotal theme. If the first book "Clan of the Cave Bear" is about "culture clash" then this sequel is about "survival".

Our heroine (whom Jean is always quick to remind us is blonde and beautiful)Ayla in this story is on her own. The Neanderthal tribe of COTCB and more so their leader Brun have cast her out. Even her mixed spirit child must be left behind though not by choice.

Needing to prepare for the coming winter and stock up supplies Ayla takes advantage of a cave she stumbles across and ends up staying there for three years. From there its a story of one womans courage, ingenuity, thoughts, learnings, crafts, medicinal preparations (for she is a medicine woman from book 1), hunting & gathering techniques, exploration, as well as her emotional vulnerability to isolation and fears for her future.

A horse and a lion she finds and raises as infants become her only companions over the seasons till one day tragedy and luck bring her face to face with a man (Jondolaar) of her species. A whole new challenge unfolds as both become the others obsession.

Its 25000 BC and its like a prehistoric lesson on how good our ancestors would have had to be to survive in short. Truly fascinating when told as a story of this quality. If you have ever wondered what life might have been like that long ago - then this is as close as you will get. A fictional account of these times doesnt get any better written or researched than this with characters you will truly love.

My criticisms of the book is Jean Auel does lavish detail on Ayla and Jondolaars love making scenes. To describe it once in detail is fine, to repeat it in length again and again - well in my opinion demonstrates a lack of editing. The book can be a bit slow at times - mostly near the start - first 1/5th of the book but stay with it and you will find it a rewarding and satisfying tale. And ask yourself as you read - how would i fair in Ayla's position? It makes for an interesting thought.