Two Old Women : An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival | 
| Author: Velma Wallis
Category: Book
List Price: $11.95
Buy New: $11.20
You Save: $0.75 (6%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  52 reviews
Sales Rank: 1017683
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 160
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.6
ASIN: B0007TFOCS
Publication Date: July 1, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Ordered new, never read or opened. 00
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Product Description
Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine. Though these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they 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 "speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness and wisdom" (Ursula K. Le Guin).
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| Customer Reviews: Read 47 more reviews...
 Simple, inspirational, and honest May 7, 2008
I'm a sucker for stuff like this. I guess the reason I did not become an English major is because I like happy, uplifting stories that inspire me to be a better person, as cheesy as that may sound. This short novel fit the bill. It's a simple story, based on an old legend, but is full of so many themes; they blew me away. How could anyone not be touched and amazed by this story? We get the basic survival element (and I love a good survival story) but there is also a story of friendship, love, confidence, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Wallis writes simply but beautifully, combining modern words for our understanding with an ancient story-telling style that is evocative of the Native American spirit. This is a haunting story that will stay with the reader.
 A Woman's Must Read! April 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Every woman needs to read this. It goes to prove that we ALWAYS have value no matter our age. It is our duty to keep strong and push ourselves to stay focused and sharp, not relying on others or blaming our circumstances. I loved the old women's adage, "we will die trying."
The book is well written and flows, making for an easy read. I read this to my children ages 6-15 and they loved it! It is a story that gives you hope for what is possible and newfound respect for the aged among us.
 Quick read, simply written November 6, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book was short and not profound, but was an interesting picture of the early Athabascan culture and contained a lesson for many of us.
A Powerful Legend October 18, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Two Old Women is a complex and powerful tale of friendship, survival, and courage. It teaches us that the human will can triumph over adversity, and that it is never too late to grow. Regardless of age, is is the will and the human spirit which direct the course of our lives. We read this selection in our book club and it evoked deep and rich discussion.
Don't Underestimate an Older Person June 24, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
In this well-told tale of two tribewomen who are in their old age we see what determination can do. Having earned the respect of their tribe these two women have been content to let others do for them over the years. But their age hinders the tribespeople's movements and they are facing a brutal winter. The chief makes the decision to turn these two out into the harshness of the bleak Alaskan Yukon to live or die.
Together these two women forge a bond of friendship and recall the skills of their younger days, conquering the pain of unused muscles and fear of the unknown to survive even the harshest of conditions. The story comes full circle when they again meet up with their tribe and the chief who once turned them out now finds he and his people have need of their wisdom.
A wonderful book for just about everyone. Full of hope and determination.
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