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Two Old Women

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

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Book Brief

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Velma Wallis

Two Old Women

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alaska • Pre-contact era

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

1030L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

21,831 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Two Old Women?

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.

4.3

21,831 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Ch'idzigyaak

An Alaskan elder who, despite being considered an outcast, becomes increasingly self-sufficient after being abandoned by her tribe. She is characterized by her darker outlook on situations compared to her companion.

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 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.

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alaska • Pre-contact era

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

1030L

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