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Book Review Title

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis Who must have this book: Anyone who enjoys Native history, storytelling, or culture. Who should have this book: Anyone interested in a classic story of strength, betrayal, and overcoming the impossible. ISBN: 0060723521

This little book is a gem. This story has been passed down generation to generation through the Gwitch’in Athabascan oral tradition. In recent years, many of these stories are at risk of disappearing as native Alaskan culture struggles to find a place in modern Alaska. In this book, Velma Wallis transfers this story to the cultural history of the entire world as an international best-seller.

Velma uses a beautiful and clean writing style to retell the legend to everyone. It is a short story that is easily read in a sitting, but not quickly forgotten. She does a great job of walking your through the pain and struggles of two elders that are sacrificed to be left behind during a time of starvation for the tribe. It is a classic of betrayal and overcoming the odds. I don’t want to tell too much of the story, but everyone should have a chance to read it.

Overview

As I said, this is a brief book, 140 pages of fairly large print and scattered illustrations. It is physically a small book in the paperback version that packs very well. It would be a great book to take along while traveling the Interior, it really brings the world of winter hardship alive in a way summer tourist cannot imagine.

Author

Velma Wallis is a Gwitch’in Athapascan from Fort Yukon. She first reached international fame with her acclaimed telling of Two Old Women, a traditional story that was passed down orally and almost lost until her beautiful written version. She followed this book up with Bird Girl and her autobiography Raising Ourselves.

Other books by the Author