Victor Kelleher, The Cave, Eagle Books, April 2024, 280 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780645378863
Celebrated author, Victor Kelleher, has written an immersive coming of age story, set in paleolithic times, that draws the reader into adventure, suspense and the struggle for survival.
At a time when fire is newly discovered and little understood, the job of tending the blaze at the mouth of the cave where Irian’s clan makes their home is vitally important. When Irian’s father falls asleep while on watch, and lets the fire burn out, the Beast (a sabre tooth tiger) takes its chance, and carnage ensues. Shocked into muteness by the terror of the violence he has witnessed, Irian takes flight, assuming he is the lone survivor. When he sees his friend Ulana, crawling and badly wounded, he knows he must help her, and together they seek to escape by fleeing from the place of horror.
Unlikely to survive their injuries alone, hope is fading when they meet elderly wanderer, Trug. She reluctantly allows them to join her, and together they travel the land, as Trug introduces them to tool making, trade and how to use wit and intuition, as well as hunting and gathering to survive the harsh ancient landscape.
The rugged wildness of the land, where humans and animals compete for survival richly contrasts with the safe and comfortable existence many of us are privileged to experience in the 21st century, and young readers are in good hands with experienced storyteller Kelleher weaving a rich page-turner, telling this exciting story simply and directly. There are plenty of adventures and exciting moments scattered through Irian, Ulana and Trug’s journey, but also quieter moments of contemplation, experiences of warmth and hospitality and situations where difficult decisions must be made. Readers aged 10 and up will enjoy this easy to read novel, and it would be a perfect classroom read aloud for Year 4-6 students.
Reviewed by Kay Oddone
