with the earlier novels in the Asseries, The Mammoth Hunters includes contemporary issues such as racism and feminism. Ranee, a black man living in the white mammoth hunter's society, is easily accepted. In this primitive society, racism manifests itself as Cro-Magnon contempt for Neanderthals or "flatheads," who are viewed as little more than animals.

Jondalar worries how Ayla, who has lived among the flatheads, will be accepted in Cro-Magnon communities.

The Mammoth Camp has already taken in a Neanderthal child, with whom Ayla is able to communicate by means of gestures and signs. The camp members learn that the child is not stupid, just different, and they, too, learn the signs and to communicate with him.

Despite Ayla's acceptance into the Mammoth community, made easier by her beauty, her ability to tame animals, her medical skills, and her inventions of a needle and flint for making...