Two Old Women

by Velma Wallis

Book Overview

An Athabascan Indian of Alaska's Yukon flats, author Velma Wallis retells a classic legend wherein two old women are abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine and must survive on their own or die trying. A wise and simple story now in paperback. Winner of a 1993 Western State Book Award.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060975849
• ISBN13: 9780060975845
• Release Date: July 1994
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.9" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Scholastic and inspirational

Great story of perseverance and courage. I enjoyed the book on a cozy fall night

Never underestimate the power of age and wisdom...

Sadly, in today's world, the elderly become invisible. Though there were customs practiced among tribes, the author seemed to show how well-intended traditions backfired on the more robust generation. The wisdom of their survival showed Two Old Women, who were left by the more able-bodied tribal members to perish. But they used life experiences to secure their lives. They methodically planned their survival and did not panic. But best of all was their forgiveness of the tribe who returned beaten. The Two Old Women welcomed them with compassion. It is one of the best books I have ever read.

Loved it!

Great quick read on relationships!

Excellent read!

Loved this book! It was an excellent read for all ages. It was quick, interesting, and well put together.

Simple really is profound

As a teacher, I appreciate a book that can be read by any student at any age level. The life lessons taught in this tribal legend are timeless. The story unfolds begging the question of the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few or the one(Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn). The chief of the tribe must make choices - difficult ones at that. The conditions are harsh, the two old women have been using their age as a tool to get the younger tribe members to serve their whims - they even fake some physical maladies to play upon the Peoples' compassion. This, it turns out, backfires on them. The chief makes the decision to banish them from the tribe to serve the needs of the trible. He is concerned that the women will bring the tribe down. There are times when people in charge have to make decisions that are unpleasant - this is a reality. The women are left to fend for themselves and the tribe moves on. The issues of family, societal expectations, and betrayal loom heavily in the reader's mind. It brings about the discussion of modern society's obsession with youth and our disdain for those who are aged. Our nation's homes for the elderly are brimming - this book speaks to that issue. Getting old does not mean useless! The women call upon lessons learned in youth to survive. They also discover that they need each other in more ways than one. While the book is an easy read-don't let that mislead you into thinking it is not sophisticated fare. The life-lessons taught are important for everyone to learn and take to heart. I am astounded by this book! It gets my highest recommendation. Buy it-read it-learn from it.

Gentle easy to read timeless tale great for grandma's bday

This is a wonderful book -- fairly short and a great gift for grandma. It tells how age does give us wisdom. A nice birthday book for anyone over 30. And especially for someone in their 50's and above. Grandma will love it. Why don't we cherish the seniors in our lives? The author Velma Wallis is one of a family of 13 children born in the fur-trapping Fort Yukon Alaska raised in the Athabaskan values. She wrote her book at 33 in a simple yet polished style. Two Old Women have a life of their own. It's a wonderful Alaskan legend that would make a good movie. Fabulous for a reading group or to read aloud to your older children night by night in the winter. Or to your husband in front of the fire....great vacation reading too. Don't miss it-- just caught it by accident-- hope you do too.

A story for any time.

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis is a story, not just about the adventures of two eold ones abandoned by the tribe in times of famine, but it is also a story about friendship and fighting against the odds. It is based on a Athabascan Indian Legend which the author is able to bring alive in her own words and, yet at the same time, keep the meaning and flavor of the tale pure and true. The copy I bought, in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, was the Tenth Anniversary Edition. First published in 1993 it now seems to be in every book store I saw while visiting Alaska. The drawings by Jim Grant just add to the enjoyment of reading the story.

Timeless and timely wisdom

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis This is a wonderful little book with a moral that is timeless and timely. With more elder care being left to institutions families are no longer what they could be. We lose so much when we are no longer in daily contact with our elders so that they can continually pass on the lessons of experience. Without that we are left to go it again for the first time and that often means failure. It also teaches us not to cease working hard just because we can get away with being lazy when others will do for us. Stop doing something and you lose the ability to do it. A muscle needs to be used to remain muscle. A mind needs to be used to remain a mind. Thank you Velma for passing on your stories to us. I would also like to point out to those that did not like this book that half of the equation is what you bring to the book. Our interpretation and appreciation of something results not only from what that is, but from who we are.

An amazing and humbling story

I come from the viewpoint of a thirtysomething male and this story and it's morals are definitely not lost on me. Given the same situation of abandonment and betrayal and I think I would have had a difficult time pressing on. I was humbled by the humanity of this story. Velma's prose is clean and wonderfully readable. It is not a terribly long story and often felt like juvenile fiction because of the large type and illustrations, but it is a tale that all ages can and should enjoy. I am buying several copies for local retirement homes and schools. I am interested to see the reactions from both groups.