Customer Reviews

Two Old Women

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is an unforgettable story, I enjoyed it so much I could not put the book down till I was finished.

In this well-told tale of two tribewomen who are in their old age we see what determination can do. Having earned the respect of their tribe these two women have been content to let others do for them over the years. But their age hinders the tribespeople's movements and they are facing a brutal winter. The chief makes the decision to turn these two out into the harshness of the bleak Alaskan Yukon to live or die.

Together these two women forge a bond of friendship and recall the skills of their younger days, conquering the pain of unused muscles and fear of the unknown to survive even the harshest of conditions. The story comes full circle when they again meet up with their tribe and the chief who once turned them out now finds he and his people have need of their wisdom.

A wonderful book for just about everyone. Full of hope and determination.

This is a wonderful read. Empowering to women, this is a wonderful story of courage and strength in the face of hardship. It shows why the wisdom of elders is honoured in many cultures. A must read for any woman who in the face of any hardship could use a little encouragement.

This book, which is extremely un-entertaining, and 'bad' as stated above, should not be recommended to anyone.

This book hits on all the majors: being viewed as worthless, abandoned to die, female and I won't tell you the ending.

I left that message and how I thought it was a good book for her book group on my mother's answering machine. Based on just what I've written above and a photo copy of two random pages, they broke two unwritten rules (someone from the group had to have read the book and they only did paperbacks). At that time, it was only in hardback.

One member begins ever session with something about how she just couldn't get into the book but she persevered. This book she could not put down. Others also felt they could not put it down.

Another friend read this with her young daughter. A wonderful bonding moment.

The illustrations are stark, like the land where the story takes place. They fit well.

And, be sure to read the history of the author and the difficulties they had bring this to print. Impressive. I would have given some of my money too if they'd have asked.

I had two sets of two copies of first editions which are lost as each person I lent them to just had to send it on to someone else. So, I no longer lend out any copy I own. Instead, I encourage you to buy your own and see what I mean. Happy reading.

This book is one of my greatest finds. I highly recommend it for all women "coming of age". It is a true motivator of what we are and can become. This is one book I cannot part with and lend out with great caution. It's a wonderful gift between friends.

I bought this book because of my interest in and friendships with Gwich'in Indians I have met. I have heard a few stories spoken and still want to learn others. I realize that it may not have been a supported idea to bring this story to print to share with the outside world, but I am very happy she did. She has a talent for writing and the story itself is a beautiful testament to friendship, perserverance, dignity, love, resourcefulness and many other qualities that any of us would be proud to possess. I will recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds, and especially to those facing hardships.

A great story and a must read for your children. Hand this book to the youngsters before they send you off to a care home.

I purchased this book at a church rummage sale underneath lots of books just thrown on top of one another. Am I ever glad I took a chance on reading this one.
In elementary school we studied how the Eskimos dealt with their 'old ones' and tried to understand their culture. To our cozy lifestyle, it seemed horrible. Now that I am much older and have had glimpses into the lives and struggles of women whom I have admired, I see that we all must have courage or we perish while we still walk around.
This is a powerful though very short book. I will recommend it to everyone who reads - especially my husband.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wallis' writings.

A friend gave me this book and Isabelle Allende's "Daughter of Fortune" at the same time. What a contrast between these two books! While "Daughter" was widely publicized, self-consciously overwritten, formulaic, and boring, "Women" was lean, full of very human characters, and ultimately very moving and enriching. This is a book I plan to reread every few years.

Though some other reviewers have portrayed this book as a story of survival and the strength of older people, it is much more than that. It also speaks to personal worth, individuals' contributions to society, and the values of a community. I marvel at how the author packed so much into one thin volume.