Jean M. Auel
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jean M. Auel is a renowned American author of historical fiction, best known for her Earth's Children series.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 18, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Jean Marie Untinen Auel is still active in the literary world today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jean M. Auel holds dual nationality as an American and a Finnish citizen. As an author of historical fiction, she is primarily recognized for her work in the fiction genre.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, Auel spent much of her childhood outdoors. Her father was a Finnish immigrant who instilled in her love for nature, history, and storytelling. This upbringing likely influenced her writing style, which often explores themes of survival, culture clash, and female empowerment.
Auel's early life was marked by an interest in anthropology and archaeology. She went on to study prehistoric cultures at the University of Oregon and later transferred to California State University, where she earned a degree in English literature. Her academic pursuits laid the groundwork for her future writing career.
Major Accomplishments
Jean M. Auel's literary breakthrough came with the publication of _The Clan of the Cave Bear_ (1980), which introduced readers to Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl adopted by Neanderthals in Ice Age Europe. This novel launched the Earth's Children series and catapulted Auel to international acclaim.
Auel has since written five more novels in the series: _The Valley Woman_ (1982), _The Mammoth Hunters_ (1985), _The Plains of Passage_ (1990), _The Shelters of Stone_ (2002), and _The Land of Painted Caves_ (2011). Her books have been translated into over 32 languages, selling more than 45 million copies worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her Earth's Children series, Auel has written several standalone novels. These include _The Woman Warriors: Multicultural Voices on Peace_ (1995), a collection of essays exploring the concept of peace from diverse cultural perspectives. Her work often delves into themes of prehistoric survival, human relationships, and the struggles faced by women throughout history.
Auel has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Ayn Rand Novelist Award in 1986 and the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1993. She was also awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2000 for her contributions to Finnish-American cultural exchange.
Impact and Legacy
Jean M. Auel's influence on historical fiction is undeniable. Her meticulous research into prehistoric cultures, combined with her vivid storytelling ability, has created a unique literary voice that captivates readers worldwide. Her exploration of themes such as survival, friendship, love, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage resonates deeply with audiences.
Auel's impact extends beyond literature; she has inspired countless readers to explore archaeology, anthropology, and history. Her work has also sparked conversations about feminism, particularly in the context of prehistoric societies. Her commitment to showcasing the strength and resilience of women throughout human history is a testament to her enduring legacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jean M. Auel's writing has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her thought-provoking novels, combined with her dedication to cultural preservation, have cemented her status as one of the most beloved and respected authors of historical fiction today. Readers continue to draw inspiration from her work, making Jean M. Auel a widely quoted and remembered figure in literature.
Quotes by Jean M. Auel
Jean M. Auel's insights on:
But as more memories built up, crowding and enlarging the storage capacity of their brain, changes came harder. There was no more room for new ideas that would be added to their memory bank, their heads were already too large. Women had difficulty giving birth; they couldn’t afford new knowledge that would enlarge their heads even more.
Once I got over feeling sick in the morning, I’ve been feeling good,” Levela said. “Vigorous and strong. Although, lately, I get tired easily. I want to sleep late and take naps in the day, and sometimes if I stand for a long time, my back hurts.” “Sounds about right, wouldn’t you say,” Velima said, smiling at her daughter. “Just the way you are supposed to feel.
At a bend in the river, an upland stream fell into the Middle Mother, which itself came from higher ground. The marrow-chilling air had caught and stilled the waters in the act of falling, and the strong dry winds had sculpted them into strange and grotesque shapes. Caricatures of living creatures captured by frost, poised to begin a headlong flight down the course of the long river, seemed to be waiting impatiently, as if knowing the turning of the season, and their release, was not far off.
Children are always a joy, but pain, too. And they all must lead their own lives. Even Mut will let Her children go their own way, someday, but I fear for us if we ever neglect Her. If we forget to respect our Great Earth Mother, She will withhold Her blessings, and no longer provide for us.
No, Nezzie. No medicine can make him well,’ she replied in a firm voice that was tinged with sorrow.
Sorry. That is courtesy, right? Custom? Jondalar, what good are words like sorry? It doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t make me feel any better.” He pulled his hand through his hair. She was right. Whatever he had done – and he thought he knew what it was – being sorry didn’t help.
Works of art were not just the finished product, but the thought, the action, the process that created them.
That is truly the loss of innocence, Ayla, when we understand what we must do in order to live. That.