The genetics of Humans, Neanderthals and other hominids is a complicated mess, yet Wragg Sykes has managed to write in a way which I think is approachable to the average reader. The chapter on genetics was a particular highlight, succinctly reminding me of the lingering genetic markers some of us still have of Neanderthal ancestors.While used sparingly and kept as simple line drawings, they are all the more impactful for it. The book is wonderfully illustrated, from the artwork at the start of each chapter setting the scene, to the figures dotted throughout the text.Clearly well researched, the book gives a detailed exploration of everything we know about Neanderthals (and what we are still to understand) but delivered in a style which remained engaging throughout.To produce an academically rigorous text which is also enjoyable by a lay audience is quite a skill. Wragg Sykes is careful to both hypothesise only as far as the data will allow and to offer the range of potential explanations for the data when multiple conclusions can be drawn. While I thought I knew a fair amount about Neanderthals, page after page told me I had barely scratched the surface.Īs well as covering expected topics when thinking about prehistoric peoples (fossils and stone tools), Kindred also explores more tentative or speculative conclusions about Neanderthals including hints at culture, death customs and art. When family and friends asked me what I wanted as a present for Christmas, this book was at the top of the list and I was not disappointed.Īmbitiously covering both our modern understanding of Neanderthals, the lives they lived and their culture, as well as exploring the archeological history of their discovery and the way our modern prejudices have clouded interpretation of the finds, it is incredible Wragg Sykes managed to fit everything into under 400 pages. I first heard about Kindred on The Rest is History podcast when they did an episode on Neanderthals and praised the book in the process. After hitting a couple of heavy non-fiction books in a row I am looking for some lighter fictional reading (even if it does include Nazis…)īefore I head into book 2, I should probably give you my review of Kindred, because this is a book you need to have on your own to be read pile! Kindred, Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art

Next on my list I think will be The Man in the High Castle which my wonderful wife bought for me.

I have just finished the first book on the list, Kindred by Rebecca Wragg Sykes, which was an excellent start to my post-Christmas reading. Just over a week into 2022, and my definitely not a resolution plan to work through my Birthday and Christmas book stash is going well.

Kindred neanderthal book review