Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis is a hauntingly beautiful retelling of an Athabascan legend from Alaska. The story begins with a tribe facing brutal winter starvation. In their desperation, they abandon two elderly women, Sa’ and Ch’idzigyaak, deemed too weak to contribute. Left to die in the frozen wilderness, the pair must decide whether to accept their fate or fight for survival. What follows is a powerful journey of endurance, courage, and the rediscovery of forgotten strength.

✅ What I Liked:
Wallis’s storytelling feels elemental, simple, clean, and deeply evocative, much like the icy landscapes she describes. The bond between the two women develops naturally as they relearn old skills and find purpose in their struggle. There’s something deeply satisfying in watching them defy both nature and the tribe’s expectations. The author’s respect for oral storytelling traditions shines through, making the tale feel both intimate and universal.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
There isn’t much to criticise here, though readers looking for complex plots or expansive world-building might find the story’s simplicity too bare. It’s a short novella, and I almost wished it lingered longer on the women’s later years or the tribe’s shifting attitudes.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love stories of resilience, indigenous folklore, or quiet character-driven narratives, Two Old Women is a must-read. It’s a perfect reminder that strength doesn’t fade with age, it deepens. This book would particularly appeal to fans of The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey or Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, for its blend of wilderness survival and emotional depth.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Velma Wallis has crafted more than a survival story; it’s a celebration of wisdom, independence, and the power of the human spirit. Rooted in cultural heritage and delivered with elegant simplicity, Two Old Women is a small book with a vast heart.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – Frozen landscapes, fierce hearts