Reviewed by Melissa Wray
After a disastrous encounter with the Beast, Irian and
Ulana find themselves fighting for survival in a prehistoric world. Along the
way they meet an unusual woman, Trug. The three form an unlikely team as they
fight to survive every day against the elements, and ferocious prey that hunt
them.
As the three characters continue their journey, we
meet new characters who are just as important to the storyline. Pivotal in fact,
so that Irian, Ulana and even Trug can find their way in the harsh world in which
they live. The journey each makes takes them on a path to a new world, a new
existence, and new future.
Kelleher creates a prehistoric world in a way that is
both familiar and unfathomable. He leads the characters on a journey where the
descriptive writing is detailed enough that the reader can easily imagine being
on the journey with them. The characters he has created are so unique, so
individual and so enjoyable that they will each stay with the reader long after
the final page has been read. Trug is like the grumpy grandma that everyone
loves, even with her spiky comments. A perfect addition of wise and witty to
young and serious personalities.
There are some topical, as well as hard-hitting themes
within this novel that could be unpacked with the right target audience. Trauma
and grief is one such heavy theme that could easily be discussed through
Kelleher’s sensitive approach to writing Irian. Another discussion could be
around kin verse community: what really makes a family? This could be discussed
at length with many examples offered throughout the novel.
This book has a great blend of action, adventure,
tension, and humour. The Cave is suitable for a 12+ year readership.
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