63 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
160
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • Pre-contact era
1993
Adult
12+ years
1030L
In the 1993 novella Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, two elderly women, Sa' and Ch'idzigyaak, are abandoned by their Alaskan Athabascan tribe during a harsh winter. They embark on a journey of survival, leveraging determination and resilience to overcome initial helplessness and thrive independently. Eventually, they cautiously reconnect with the struggling tribe, leading to mutual respect and valuable lessons. The story includes themes of abandonment and survival in extreme conditions.
Inspirational
Hopeful
Serene
Contemplative
Emotional
21,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Velma Wallis' Two Old Women has been praised for its powerful storytelling and rich depiction of Athabaskan culture. Readers admire its themes of resilience and survival, and its portrayal of elder wisdom. Some critiques note its straightforward narrative might lack complexity for some audiences, but overall, it’s celebrated for its inspirational and heartfelt tale.
Readers who relish survival stories with cultural depth, such as those found in Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, would find Two Old Women by Velma Wallis compelling. This narrative weaves traditional Native Alaskan lore with themes of resilience, making it ideal for fans of culturally rich and introspective literature.
21,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sa’
An Alaskan woman who grows up defying traditional gender roles and is abandoned for her boldness and independence. She is the more sensitive and optimistic of the pair, using her determination to motivate and survive.
The Chief of The People
The leader of the tribe, who struggles with the decision to condemn the old women to death. He battles with his conscience and ultimately hopes for their survival and aims to reconcile with them.
160
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • Pre-contact era
1993
Adult
12+ years
1030L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.