“No one should miss this beautiful legend.” — Tony HillermanBased on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine.Though these women have been known to complain more than … these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community, and forgiveness “speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom” (Ursula K. Le Guin).
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I really liked the way this book was written. It mimicked the spoken narrative style.
The plot is undoubtedly an old folk tale, but it moved along and fascinated this old woman of the 21st century.
It’s short, a small investment to make, and, in my opinion, worth the time.
I recommended it to friends as a unique novel.
I loved this book.
This book is a keeper! While not long in length ( I read it in a day), the story draws you in and doesn’t let go! Two aged native women are abandoned by their tribe when the tribe members feel the women are a drain on the resources which with a very hard, cold winter coming on and resources being scarce should not be wasted on to old …
Honorable of the First Peoples ways, devotion, and necessities to survive.
Shows how we can do more then we think we can and that each generation, regardless of age, has a lot to offer.
Makes you think a lot about how easy our life is today compared to yesteryear.
I will remember this book well..so interesting
This is a sweet parable that gently brings home the idea that older people are a lot happier when they are productive then when they are complaining.
A rather simple historical story that rings of authenticity and has deep meaning even to modern day lives. Very thought provoking. I recommend it highly!
A Native American story that still speaks today to all generations! It reminds our aging population (I am one of them) that complaints and helplessness backfire on us if we don’t continue to do what we are capable of, that being much more than we think! And it reminds younger generations that there are great treasures to be mined from our …
This book should be required reading for all ages. It’s a powerful reminder that we are stronger than we believe we are, and we are stronger still when we work together.
Very short book but highly inspirational.
Excellent reading, everything I enjoy in a book!
Really enjoyed this book defiantly different
Really good for reflection! Has a really good message.
Just beginning to read this book. Interesting concept. Good read so far
quick read, interesting, informative of another culture, respectful…
More of a short story
i liked it very much. it is not long, but it is inspirational. reminds you to never never never give up.