The Cave of Lost Love

Chalfy projects love across the ages with this nifty mix of prehistorical and contemporary romance. Over 10,000 years ago, Muta and Rami walked upright somewhere along a river in North America. After Gatherer Muta receives an omen that she must embark upon a trek into unexplored territory to find a new home for the tribe, Hunter Rami, her husband, agrees to accompany her. Once they’re settled into a wonderful cave, their lives take a turn when Rami is seriously injured during a hunt. Little did they know that their cave drawings will survive to inspire a 21st-century romance between archaeologist Matthew and photographer Sheila. Both stories are poignant, and the one about the prehistoric couple really shines. While in camp with their tribe, Muta and Rami’s roles are strictly prescribed based on gender. Once they’re on their own, however, loneliness and their love for each other begin to blur those lines. Chalfy’s tender rendering of these ancient characters sets this novel a notch above its peers. (May)