My Sister the Moon

My mother's now-deceased school librarian friend recommended this book to my mother, as something she thought I would enjoy. I was 11 or 12 at the time. I loved it, and read it over and over. Until it fell to pieces, and I got a new copy, which also fell to pieces. Knowing my mom and her friends, they probably figured I'd adore Kiin, and were probably trying to inspire some tough/strong/independent female feelings in me. At the time, though, I only knew that this was a fabulous book. I loved the historical detail, the complicated relationships between characters, and how Sue Harrison made the characters and their culture seem close and accessible. The summarized plot can read like a string of deeply depressing traumas -- Kiin is abused since birth, remainds unnamed until she is about 15 or 16, is given a degrading name when she finally is named, is raped, is kidnapped, and so forth. But I was never depressed. I wouldn't say I was uplifted, either, but the book gave me a lot to think about. It's a genuine prize in a genre with so much junk.

This trilogy by Sue Harrison kept me glued in my chair for days! Her books move more quickly than Jean Auel's, and each book has a plot. They are more than sagas. What a wonderful way to learn about prehistoric peoples and their culture! I'm so glad to have found this author.

Kiin, the abused daughter of Grey Bird. Afraid for her safety, the kind Kayugh promised her father that he'd marry her to one of his boys. As they grew up Kiin and Samiq formed a bond beyond explanation, each in their hearts thought that they would be married to each other. Through the twist of fate, it's the expert knifemaker Amgigh who gets her because his brother, Samiq, must go to the island of the Whale Hunters to learn how to hunt the whale, a skill that he's to bring back to his own people. But before Samiq goes, Amgigh lets him sleep with Kiin. However, Kiin's abducted by her awful brother Qakan, who informs all that she has died). He rapes her and sells her to Raven, a would-be shaman among the Walrus People who thinks that the twin sons Kiin bears will bring Raven power. Qakan soon falls out with the Walrus People, he steals Kiin again, resulting in his long overdue death at Raven's hands and a reunion between Kiin and the First Men. Kiin never gave up and the fighting spirit in her told her that one day she would be with her beloved Samiq. The strength of their bond for all times. She meets her husband and her beloved under strange and sad circumstances. Read on to follow through the life of an exceptional woman.Text refers to the hard cover edition.

If you read the first of the series you have to read the second book, it's just as good

This book continues the wonderful tradition started in "Mother Earth, Father Sky." I was unable to put it down, and was drawn into the story. I cannot say enough praises.