Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

This is the first book in a series the “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” which I got from the Library after seeing a review of a related school’s pack in British Archaeology.  The way in which we categorise fiction is often unhelpful – this book is to be found in the “11up” sections of Southampton’s Libraries – but like all the best “Children’s” books it is equally captivating and enjoyable for the adult reader. 

Set in the “Stone-Age” the fact that the resource pack and, in fact in an earlier edition Wolf Brother itself, was reviewed in British Archaeology is a nod to the strong attempt made by Paver for historical (or should I say prehistorical!) accuracy.  There is a lot of detail about the tools used, the hunting techniques, and so on, which have their basis in the archaeological record and/or anthropological studies.  This might sound a bit worrying, the risk that you would become bogged down in all this and lose sight of the story is real – however it is avoided.  These details serve to draw you deeper into the narrative and make it come alive. 

As well as the detail of tools etc there is a layer of myth and legend for which there can, of course, be no strict claim to historical accuracy.  There however a general plausibility to the belief system.  In creating a belief system there is, again, a danger of getting bogged which Paver avoids.  You have enough to engage you without Tolkienesque baggage of endless songs…

It has to be said that there is nothing particularly innovative in this story, if follows the well tried and tested quest format.  But it is, in my view, a particularly well written example. 

I found this a book I couldn’t put down and the first thing I did on finishing it was order up the next of the Chronicles from the Library, (frustrated that I will have to wait till after the New Year Bank Holiday for the Library to reopen!).