Vision of the Hunter

Set in the Stone Age, the tale of Kern tells of his banishment from his reindeer-hunting tribe into the forest where he is joined by Gaeli, and their shared love and discovery of the pastoral ways that may save their tribe

Visions play an important role in this absorbing tale of prehistoric hunters living in northern Europe. Abandoned as a baby, young Finn is raised by Hann, the leader of the Burnt Shin tribe, whose natural son is sickly. Finn is painfully aware that outsiders are never initiated as hunters, so he passes his time by playing and relating his visions. After his son dies, however, Hann takes Finn for his own, and trains him to hunt reindeer. Excelling at this new skill, Finn is delighted to be a genuine Burnt Shin; but the herds of deer are dwindling due to overhunting. As the small community begins to fear starvation, Gronu, an early antagonist of Finn's, wrests away Hann's leadership by persuading the others that even more deer must be killed to save the tribe. Finn departs for a solitary (and blissful) life, but returns when a vision presents a way around Gronu's folly. Plausibly plotted and lyrical, this novel by a pseudonymous author of historical fiction is a myth for the modern age.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Prehistoric Northern Europe is the setting for this novel. For generations, young Finn's tribe has dwelt on its rock ledge in the forests, relying on the reindeer for food, clothing, and shelter. Though not born into the tribe, Finn is adopted by hearth leader Hann, who teaches him the ways of the deer in time for Finn's initiation to manhood. But soon the reindeer herds start to dwindle and the tribe's way of life is threatened. To solve this problem, Finn must become a thinker as well as a hunter. His discovery of domesticating deer is based on love and respect for nature. But he must overcome the opposition of his rival Gronu, who wishes to tyrannize the people while destroying the deer by unwise hunting methods. With its ecological message and haunting folkloric quality, this novel should appeal to YAs as well as Jean Auel fans. Recommended.
- William C. McCully, Park Ridge P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.