The Land of Painted Caves

Earth's Children, Book 6

By: Jean M. Auel

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

Length: 34 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Ayla, one of the most remarkable and beloved heroines in contemporary fiction, continues to explore the world and the people around her with curiosity, insight, and, above all, courage.

As the story opens, Ayla, Jondalar, and their infant daughter, Jonayla, are living with the Zelandonii in the Ninth Cave - a shelter of stone. Ayla has been chosen as an acolyte and has embarked on the arduous task of training to become a spiritual leader. The wisdom that Ayla gained from her struggles as an orphaned child, alone in a hostile environment, strengthen her as she moves closer to leadership of the Zelandonia.

Whatever the obstacles, Ayla’s inventive spirit produces new ways to lessen the difficulties of daily life: searching for wild edibles to make delicious meals, experimenting with techniques to ease the long journeys the Zelandoni must take, honing her skills as a healer and a leader. And then, there are the Sacred Caves, the caves that Ayla’s mentor - the Donier, the First of the Zelandonia - takes her to see. These caves are filled with remarkable art - paintings of mammoths, lions, aurochs, rhinoceros, reindeer, bison, bear. The powerful, mystical aura within these caves sometimes overwhelms Ayla and the rituals of initiation bring her close to death. But through those rituals, Ayla gains A Gift of Knowledge so important that it will change the world.

Spellbinding drama, meticulous research, fascinating detail, and superb narrative skill combine to make The Land of Painted Caves a captivating, utterly believable creation of a long ago civilization that serves as an astonishing end to this beloved saga.

Listen to more in the Earth's Children series.

©2011 Jean M. Auel (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

love it

It was amazing, couldn't stop listening. I was hanging on right up to the end.

Fell short

Would you try another book from Jean M. Auel and/or Sandra Burr?

Yes.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Less repetitiveness.

What about Sandra Burr’s performance did you like?

I like how she changes her voice from one character to another. Very good.

Waited so long, for a story too long

Attention to detail is one thing, and I certainly felt like I was there and learned much about Auel’s vision of life during this time, but much of this was a slog, which was disappointing. And Ayla is too perfect, as always, but I remain a fan of this ambitious undertaking.

Loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Land of Painted Caves to be better than the print version?

I was hesitant to buy this title because the reviews weren't that good, but after listening to the Shelters of Stone - I wanted to learn what happened to Ayla and Jondalar. I love the detail and feel it is necessary to understanding the story. After all, this is prehistoric times, and the detail really adds a lot to the story. I hope Jean Auel has 1 more novel left in the history of the Earth's Children.

Which character – as performed by Sandra Burr – was your favorite?

Ayla

If you could take any character from The Land of Painted Caves out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ayla

Quite Repetitive

there was way too much time spoken in caves where they saw the same things over and over. oh and the Mother story/ song was worn out to the point where I fast forwarded through it. Knowing this was the last book in the series, I had high expectations for this book and was greatly disappointed. They could have explored the First more and her motives for pushing Aila through her training. Was she really over Jondalar? I just think the book could have explored more interpersonal things rather than boring caves. All in all, I'm going to miss Aila and Jondalar.

Enjoyable listening

This is my first experience with audible books and was not disappointed. The 6th book in this series was refreshing and entertaining. Would recommend this series to any adult.

loved it

I just listen to the whole series after reading it at least three times over the past 10 years and it was a new adventure and fun to hear the performance of the story completely enjoyed it and it gave it totally knew feel to a series I love

it is a good story

Yes there was a lot repeated here. yes the accent was a little irritating for me, but I enjoyed the story. I was rather surprised she didn't share her sewing needle with all the women to begin with. and surprised they didn't develop the story line of trade or association with the Clan. I will be buying the final book. I find myself hoping I don't hear the Mothers song again, but disappointed that the book is over.

repetition but overall great series

I loved the continuation of the story, but the amount of repetition was a touch boring. I do hope she will be able to publish a 7th book. I would love to hear about a 2nd child and becoming the Frist among this who serve the Mother.
I grew up on the first 3 book in the series. The Clan of the Clan Bear and The Valley of Horses are my favorites. I didn't find out about 4,5,6 until just a couple years ago when I bought them all on Audible. I have snice listened to the 6 book series twice. It's a bit annoying the reader's accent for Ayla's voice changes at the 4th? book to a semi heavy Russian like accent.
I also find it hard to believe that these people would have eaten 2 or 3 meals everyday also, or as many plants as the author seems to think, makes me want to learn more about this. Esp after learning I have about an Animal based diet.
but overall great series, and if not else, helps me sleep.

Meh.

Wow.
What a disappointing finale. If it was a finale. Basically a rehash of prior story with what seemed to be cut and paste. I felt the last two books in the series were a waste of my money and time. I wanted more anthropology and instead got character whining alternating with repetitive sex descriptions that again were cut and paste from prior books.