Ayla does not advance or develop as a character from her portrayal in the earlier novels. She makes more discoveries (the needle), tames more animals (a wolf this time), and even uses the Heimlich maneuver to save a choking child. But she does not grow emotionally because Auel seems to want her to be the perfect woman. For example, having been raised in a culture which communicates with gestures, Ayla does not know how to lie. She has been so hurt and alienated from others that she seems unable to hurt anyone. The only thing she cannot do well is sing.

The most interesting portrayal of Ayla is her assimilation into the CroMagnon community. Ayla learns to drink alcohol and has to learn to interpret people's moods, especially Jondalar's jealousy. In the presentation of an isolated person coming to live in a civilized community, Auel has great opportunity...