Written in a best-seller logic (many pages, many volumes), The Clan of the Cave Bear is nonetheless a catchy novel with its own reputation in terms of veracity as far as prehistory patterns are concerned. Beyond the story, I like the way, Ayla, from the evolved Homo sapiens line, found her way through the locks of the archaic Homo neanderthalensis society. A respectfull desobedience to tradition and faith, discretion and some complicities within her host clan allowed her to gain skills, legitimacy and dignity. "She had had to work hard, but she had learned in the process". To the benefit of the clan itself, enriched with her difference and own capabilities. Details about female condition 35,000 years Before Present (male dominance, restrained education, threat of punishment and violence) and hidden attempts for improvment (contraception) give a hint of feminism to Jean M. Auel's work. Without her knowing, Ayla made evolve the clan tradition and fought against obscurantism. Congratulations Ayla!