Tarri F. (Tarri) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Two Old Women is one of my top ten favorite books of all times. It is the incredible story of two old women left behind by their tribe when they are no longer able to find food. It is one of the most inspiring stories of survival I have ever read, and Velma Wallis is an amazing storyteller.
Everyone I know who has read Two Old Women loves the book and the women.
Everyone I know who has read Two Old Women loves the book and the women.
Helpful Score: 4
Great! This book should be required reading in early middle school. It has so many lessons to teach and it's such an easy read. The cover says betrayal, courage and survival but I would add inspiration, hope,joy and humility. Might even help bring back a little respect for our elders.
Vicki S. (curledupwithabook) -
Helpful Score: 3
Uplifting and encouraging story of two elderly women who are abandoned by their tribe when food becomes scarce. Their eventually success despite the odds speaks to the value of the individual regardless of age.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 3
This was a very interesting book--how i did love these two old women and felt so sorry for them. The culture did not seem fair. But as an older woman, i can say--i guess they showed those men!! This was a very endearing read and i do reccommend this to anyone who would like a smooth read into another culture for a day, you will come out at the end with huge respect for these "TWO OLD WOMEN".
Kindra K. (Onion) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 105 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Amazing and inspiring story! Beutifully written and captivating. I read it in one sitting. Loved it!
Sherri H. (mamadoodle) -
Helpful Score: 1
Terrific story - you should definitely read this book!
Carol S. (busyreader) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A beautiful and moving book. You will love it!
Cindy M. (cindymcc) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful retelling of an Alaskan legend. In a time of great suffering, a tribe decides to abandon two old women who are viewed as offering little value. What follows reminds us to remember the ingenuity of our elders, and that our elders can be far more capable than even they dreamed. An uplifting story, with lots of issues to discuss and ponder; I've ordered several copies through PBS and sent to friends. Very easily read in a couple of hours, but one you'll remember.
Joy B. (beablessing) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
We visited Alaska this September and this book was being sold there. It is a very good book as it depicts the harshness of the early Athabascan Indians. This is a legend that has been handed down from generation to generation . Velma Wallis has put to the written word what she was told by her mother.
A small tribe of indians are wandering around in the cold arctic looking for food. The chief decides to leave two old women behind without anything for their survival. He is tired of their complaining and he feels it will leave more for the younger ones of the tribe. It is heartbreaking to see a woman's daughter and grandson walk away from them.
Two old women will die if they continue to sit and wait for their tribe to provide for them. They are alone without any provisions. What will they do?
The younger old woman convinces the older woman that they must get up and walk a great distance where there is water. We see the difficulties they endure and in the end they succeed. The author describes in detail how they make a shelter and snare rabbits to keep themselfes alive. They learn to never give up. The tribal chief learns a lesson also before the story is over
A small tribe of indians are wandering around in the cold arctic looking for food. The chief decides to leave two old women behind without anything for their survival. He is tired of their complaining and he feels it will leave more for the younger ones of the tribe. It is heartbreaking to see a woman's daughter and grandson walk away from them.
Two old women will die if they continue to sit and wait for their tribe to provide for them. They are alone without any provisions. What will they do?
The younger old woman convinces the older woman that they must get up and walk a great distance where there is water. We see the difficulties they endure and in the end they succeed. The author describes in detail how they make a shelter and snare rabbits to keep themselfes alive. They learn to never give up. The tribal chief learns a lesson also before the story is over
Rachelle S. (MSW2b) -
Helpful Score: 1
I adored this folk tale. The two old women offer inspiration and remind us of the strengths of age, when society forgets.
Eileen G. (dulcimerlady) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully told legend.
Georgia D. reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This little book is a nice short read that packs a lot into it. It's a tale of survival and triumph for two women left to die in the snow.
Gail R. (abigailsdaughter) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 201 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Based on an Athabascan legend, this a tale of survival in the harsh climate of the Arctic, and of the development of self-understanding. Well written.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 1726 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I finished this in one day. The amazing story of two old women left by their people in the middle of winter due to food shortage. This was a common enough thing to do but these two were not going to go quietly into the night. Shows what determination,perseverance and relying on one another can accomplish.
Althea M. (althea) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 774 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This short novel is a retelling of a native Athabascan legend from before Western culture was known in Alaska. Two complaining, irritating old women are left behind by their tribal group when the group hits hard times, and all are facing starvation. However, rather than dying (as expected), the two women struggle to survive through the winter, learning strength, self-reliance and friendship along the way. Meanwhile, the tribal group does less well at surviving than the old women, and learns that they may have misjudged the two, and must come to re-evaluate their priorities.
Cathy C. (mobby) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Based on an Athabaskan Indian legend passed along from mothers to daughters for many generations on the upper Yukon River in Alaska, this is the tragic and shocking story - with a surprise ending - of two elderly women abandoned by a migrating tribe that faces starvation brought on by unusually harsh Arctic weather and a shortage of fish and game.
Rita C. reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Somehow it filled a need I have to try to turn negatives into positives. In what at first appears as betrayal, these two ladies proved to themselves that they could meet the challenge and survive. Now, if I can learn to do this, I will consider myself successful.
Karen R. (hippichic) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 4 more book reviews
A different land, a different time, different customs and cultures. But the life lessons learned in this book cross all boundaries. I found this book to be a tremendously courageous book. Not just about two old women, but about life in general, throughout all walks of life. Hippichic
This is a wonderfully written story of two elderly women left behind by their people because of severe hardship in their tribe. I literally couldn't put it down. That these women showed amazing courage in trying to survive in the unfriendly Arctic was noteworthy, but what stood out above and beyond that was their incredible friendship and compassion/understanding of one another. A gem of a book!
Jan M. reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 5 more book reviews
Interesting short story of survival in the north country.
Marcie D. (PatchesMom) - reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 91 more book reviews
This historical book was so inspirational. It blessed my hear. Shared it immediately with a friend from Fairbanks. She loved it also.
Was on of the best I have read in a long time. Every age can learn something from this one!
Connie S. (gamaw) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 99 more book reviews
A quick read that reminds us that we can do anything if we have to, also that we are stronger than we think we are. A good message.
CHRIS P. (MaineMan) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 220 more book reviews
"This story seems to come from a place and people utterly different from modern America, speaking straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness and wisdom. When you've read this book,you will feel that you are a slightly better person than you knew you were." -Ursula K. Le Guin (from the back cover)
Michelle N. (DaisyaDay) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 10 more book reviews
A well-told tale of the value of all life at all ages.
Kim G. (guyfarmgirl) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 248 more book reviews
Very good story about two older women that were left behind from their clan. these women learned their strength that they thought they had lost. I loved this book.
Charlene M. (douglasgirl) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 17 more book reviews
One of my top 100 books. A sweet and soulful story based on eskimo legend. I love it!
Diane W. (southernbooklover) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 4 more book reviews
Love this book and give it to all of th 60 yr olds in my Galloway Running Program.... won't repost it.... I give them away...
Carolyn E. (swedefinn) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 41 more book reviews
Based on an åthabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River area in Alaska, this is the suspenful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine. Thought these two women have been known to complain more than contribute, tey now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community and forgiveness will carve out a permanent place in readers' imaginations.
Deanna A. (Sierra-Blue) - , reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 32 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book and the legend that it tells. This book is for the young reader, but can be enjoyed by all. This story is about two elder women and the hard lesson that the learn. It is also about their people and the hard lesson that they in turn also learned. It is a wonderful lesson to be learned by all.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 2527 more book reviews
I got this book from my mom (they are moving and wanted to get rid of some books). This was a surprisingly engaging novella/folk tale about two old women who are abandoned by their tribe during a particularly tough winter.
Both the tribe and the old women end up learning a lot about their limits and what is important to them as a result of this abandonment. It was a quick read and a good story. I found myself surprisingly sucked into the tale. I enjoyed the survival elements and hearing about people of that time and how they survived in such harsh conditions.
The writing style is very stark and simple (normally not my favorite style of writing to read) but it matched the style of the tale well.
Overall a well done folktale that I enjoyed reading. I would recommend if you are interested in tribal Alaska, survival, or the process of aging.
Both the tribe and the old women end up learning a lot about their limits and what is important to them as a result of this abandonment. It was a quick read and a good story. I found myself surprisingly sucked into the tale. I enjoyed the survival elements and hearing about people of that time and how they survived in such harsh conditions.
The writing style is very stark and simple (normally not my favorite style of writing to read) but it matched the style of the tale well.
Overall a well done folktale that I enjoyed reading. I would recommend if you are interested in tribal Alaska, survival, or the process of aging.
Lucy H. (gfigure) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 33 more book reviews
Very enjoyable book about survival.
William S. (wots) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 17 more book reviews
If you enjoy Alaska stories, this is good. Has a lesson for all to learn.
Monica G. (monicagrinkey) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 48 more book reviews
Based on an Athabaskan Indian legend passed along from mothers to daughters for many generations in Alaska, this is the tragic and shocking story of two elderly women abandoned by a migrating tribe that faces starvation.
Tonia V. (bvaughnfamily) -
I received this in today's mail (around 4PM), from another PBS member. I read it all the way through, with a few interruptions from the young'uns, the critters & the husband. And it's 8:58PM.
Good story. I'm an old woman myself and I appreciate the reminder that 1) I'm not too old to work and be a help to others. 2) Complaining doesn't help me or those around me. 3) I can keep living or die trying.
I recommend this for older folks, as an encouragement. Also good for youngers folks to remind them that old folks have value.
Good story. I'm an old woman myself and I appreciate the reminder that 1) I'm not too old to work and be a help to others. 2) Complaining doesn't help me or those around me. 3) I can keep living or die trying.
I recommend this for older folks, as an encouragement. Also good for youngers folks to remind them that old folks have value.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 1474 more book reviews
Based on an Athabascan legend, 'Two Old Women' tells the story of a small band of native Alaskans, living in the unforgiving territory above the Arctic Circle, who make a difficult decision as their group faces starvation. They ask two old women to leave the tribe, fearing that the extra food and energy needed to care for them will diminish the band's ability to survive the winter.
How the women survive, and what happens to the tribal members who abandoned them, form the backbone of this spare but lovingly told novel, written by a native Alaskan who is intimately familiar with both the land and its culture.
Suitable for middle school and above, this tale of survival and redemption is a quick read that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
How the women survive, and what happens to the tribal members who abandoned them, form the backbone of this spare but lovingly told novel, written by a native Alaskan who is intimately familiar with both the land and its culture.
Suitable for middle school and above, this tale of survival and redemption is a quick read that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
Megan M. reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 129 more book reviews
Used book from College...no markings in it. It was a very interesting story. I enjoyed it :)
Ellen L. (LdyLopes) reviewed Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival on + 109 more book reviews
This is an Alaska Legend of Betrayal,Courage and Survival.
Based on an Athabaskan Indian legend passed along from mothers to daughters for many generations on the upper Yukon River in Alaska, this is the tragic and shocking story - with a surprise ending - of two elderly women abandoned by a migrating tribe that faces starvation brought on by unusually harsh Arctic weather and a shortage of fish and game.
The story of survival is told with suspense and wisdom by Velma Wallis, a promising new Native American writer. Her style is contempory and traditional, and her choice of subject matter challenges the taboos of her past. Yet her themes are modern - empowerment of women, the graying of America,and a growing interest in Native American values.
Winner 1993 Western States Book Award
Based on an Athabaskan Indian legend passed along from mothers to daughters for many generations on the upper Yukon River in Alaska, this is the tragic and shocking story - with a surprise ending - of two elderly women abandoned by a migrating tribe that faces starvation brought on by unusually harsh Arctic weather and a shortage of fish and game.
The story of survival is told with suspense and wisdom by Velma Wallis, a promising new Native American writer. Her style is contempory and traditional, and her choice of subject matter challenges the taboos of her past. Yet her themes are modern - empowerment of women, the graying of America,and a growing interest in Native American values.
Winner 1993 Western States Book Award
