THE GIFT OF STONES, by Jim Crace

This interesting book is set in the prehistoric era at the moment of transition between the Stone and Bronze ages. Not having read any other "prehistoric literature", I can't compare the book to works such as Clan of the Cave Bear, etc., What struck me about the book is its vividness, poetic language and quiet tone. The protagonist of this story of cultural clash is a disabled storyteller figure (he has lost one arm and is therefore marginal to the stone-shaper society in which he lives). He sets out on an adventure of discovery, finds a wife, and witnesses the eventual extermination of his society's livelihood by the advent of bronze arrowheads. He ends up becoming the de facto leader of the group into the future. There is much blurring between fact and story as details of the plot are highly questionable as they are multiple versions of "truth" told to us by the protagonist via his daughter's narration. It's a strange read, but it is enjoyable to be immersed into that exotic cultural environment and to look at technological change and its effect. There must surely be some lessons here for modern humans.

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