The cave by Victor Kelleher

In contrast to Kelleher’s previous works, the Gibblewort goblin stories and the futuristic Wanderer, The cave is set in prehistoric times, where cave men are very much at risk from the elements and the fierce animals that are their predators. Irian and his clan are cave dwellers, guarding the cave from the wild animals that attempt to return to their lair. Their clumsy weapons are spears and axes, though the best weapon of all is fire, if only they can protect and nurture it. It becomes a rotating duty to stand guard through the night, fuelling the flames.

When Irian and his father fail in their duty and succumb to sleep, the Beast returns and annihilates all but the boy who escapes through a small cleft in the cave. It is a horror that traumatises Irian to the point of losing all speech and shuddering in fear whenever his thoughts turn to that night. There is however another survivor, the severely wounded Ulana, and the two of them unite to find a way to survive in the harsh environment.

An old woman, not of their clan, but a travelling trader, Trug, joins the two children and helps them to navigate the landscape, along the way sharing some of the secrets she has learnt. It is a story about the discovery of fire, and the power that it gives the cave people as they learn how to create and maintain it. And then as they master the striking of flint, more sophisticated weapons can gradually be perfected.

The cave is a scary adventure story. The little group have to travel through snow, rain and flood, always on the alert to danger from leopards and other wild creatures. Along the journey, Irian has to rediscover his selfhood and find the courage to stand tall and take his place in the world. There are strong moral lessons about caring for others, sharing knowledge, and working together for the better of the community.

Themes: Cave men, Journey, Fear, Courage, Responsibility.

Helen Eddy