Plot Summary
Bitter Cold, Bitter Decision
In the heart of an unforgiving Alaskan winter, a nomadic band of Gwich'in people faces starvation. The land is barren, animals are scarce, and the cold is relentless. The chief, pressured by the desperate needs of the group, makes a harrowing decision: to abandon the two oldest women, Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', believing their survival depends on moving faster and carrying less. The women, long cared for but often complaining, are left behind with only minimal supplies. Their families, torn by fear and shame, do not protest. The women are stunned, betrayed, and left to die in the icy wilderness, their fate seemingly sealed by the harsh logic of survival.
Abandonment and Despair
As the band disappears into the distance, Ch'idzigyaak and Sa' sit in disbelief, their hearts heavy with sorrow and anger. Ch'idzigyaak's daughter and grandson, unable to help, leave behind a bundle of babiche and a hidden hatchet as silent tokens of love and hope. The women's initial numbness gives way to tears and humiliation. Memories of elders abandoned in the past haunt them, but the realization that they are not yet helpless stirs something deep within. The cold presses in, and the women must decide whether to surrender to despair or fight for their lives.
Choosing to Die Trying
Sa', the younger of the two, refuses to accept a passive death. She urges Ch'idzigyaak to resist, insisting they attempt survival rather than wait for the end. Together, they resolve to "die trying," gathering what little strength remains. They scavenge for firewood, set rabbit snares, and use the hatchet left by the grandson. Their first small successes—a squirrel, a rabbit—bring nourishment and a fragile sense of hope. The women realize that their survival depends on reclaiming the skills and determination of their youth, and they begin to work together with renewed purpose.
Old Skills Remembered
Forced by circumstance, the women recall the knowledge passed down through generations. They craft snowshoes from birch and babiche, fashion sleds from caribou hides, and ration their meager food. Each task is a painful reminder of their age, but also a testament to their resilience. As they prepare to leave the abandoned camp, they choose a distant fishing site remembered from their youth—a place of past abundance. The journey ahead is daunting, but necessity drives them forward, and their partnership deepens as they rely on each other's strengths.
The Painful Journey Begins
The trek through the frozen wilderness is grueling. The women's bodies ache, their joints stiffen, and exhaustion threatens to overwhelm them. They dig snow pits for shelter, ration every scrap of food, and push through pain and fatigue. Memories of past hardships surface, and the women share stories of loss, survival, and the cruelty of hunger. Their bond grows stronger as they support each other through moments of despair and fleeting hope. Each step is a victory over the elements and their own doubts, forging a new sense of purpose.
Survival Against All Odds
Reaching the remembered fishing site, the women find remnants of old fish racks and set up camp. They work tirelessly to prepare for the coming winter—insulating their shelter, setting snares, and gathering wood. Their efforts are rewarded as they catch rabbits, birds, and eventually muskrats and fish. The women rediscover joy in small successes and regain physical strength. Their skills, once thought forgotten, prove vital. The isolation and hardship transform their relationship from mutual complaint to deep respect and companionship, as they realize their own capacity for survival.
A Hidden Sanctuary
As the seasons change, the women's camp becomes a sanctuary, hidden from both animals and people. They smoke and cache meat, outwit a bear, and adapt to the challenges of summer insects and shifting weather. Fearful of being discovered by their former band, they move their stores to a more concealed location. The women's ingenuity and vigilance keep them safe, and their once-resentful hearts begin to heal. The land, once a source of terror, becomes a place of belonging and pride, as they thrive in their hard-won independence.
Seasons of Hard Work
Through spring, summer, and fall, the women labor ceaselessly—hunting, fishing, gathering berries, and weaving clothing from rabbit fur. Their caches grow, and they become adept at managing resources and fending off predators. The rhythm of work and the satisfaction of self-reliance replace old habits of complaint. As winter returns, loneliness and memories of betrayal resurface, but the women find solace in each other's company and the knowledge that they have not only survived but flourished. Their transformation is complete: from burdens to masters of their fate.
The People's Suffering
Meanwhile, the abandoned band suffers through another brutal winter. Starvation, frostbite, and despair take their toll. The chief, burdened by guilt, leads the people back to the site where the women were left, hoping for a sign. They find nothing—no bones, no shelter—only mystery and regret. The loss of the women weighs heavily, and the chief sends a search party, led by the wise tracker Daagoo, to seek any trace of their fate. The people's suffering is a mirror to the women's resilience, and the seeds of remorse and longing for reconciliation are sown.
Tracks and Smoke
Daagoo and his young hunters follow subtle clues—stripped birch bark, faint trails, and finally, the scent of smoke. Against all odds, they realize the women have survived. The discovery is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The men approach the women's camp cautiously, uncertain of their welcome. The women, armed and wary, confront their visitors with suspicion and pride. The encounter is tense, but the mutual recognition of suffering and endurance opens the door to dialogue. The possibility of forgiveness and reunion emerges, fragile but real.
The Stillness Is Broken
The women, especially Ch'idzigyaak, are wary of betrayal, but Sa' counsels compassion. The men confess the band's dire need and express remorse. The women agree to share their food, but on strict terms: the people must keep their distance, and only the chief and trusted elders may visit. The women's strength and success command newfound respect. The men return to the band with food and news of the women's survival, sparking hope and shame among those who abandoned them. The balance of power has shifted, and the women's dignity is restored.
Terms of Forgiveness
The chief and council accept the women's conditions, vowing to honor their wishes and never again abandon elders. The people, humbled and grateful, receive food and clothing from the women's stores. Ch'idzigyaak's daughter and grandson are overjoyed but fearful of rejection. The women's generosity is tempered by caution, but the process of healing begins. The people learn to value the wisdom and resilience of their elders, and the women, once outcasts, become honored members of the community. The lessons of suffering and survival reshape the band's values.
Reconciliation and Return
Gradually, visits between the camps become more frequent. Ch'idzigyaak's grandson, Shruh Zhuu, is the first to bridge the gap, bringing news and affection. Eventually, Ch'idzigyaak's daughter, Ozhii Nelii, overcomes her shame and seeks forgiveness. The reunion is emotional and healing, as mother and daughter embrace and acknowledge the pain and love that bind them. The women's independence is respected, but their place within the community is reestablished. The cycle of abandonment is broken, and the wounds of betrayal begin to close.
Healing Old Wounds
The women are appointed to honorary positions within the band, their advice and skills sought by all. The people, once dismissive of their elders, now listen and learn. The women, in turn, accept help when needed but maintain their autonomy. The hardships endured by both the women and the band foster a new sense of unity and humility. The story of survival becomes a living lesson, passed down to the young as a warning and inspiration. The community is stronger, wiser, and more compassionate for what they have endured together.
Wisdom and New Respect
The two old women, once seen as burdens, are now revered for their wisdom, resilience, and generosity. Their story becomes a touchstone for the band, a reminder of the strength hidden within the most unlikely individuals. The people vow never again to abandon their elders, understanding that survival depends not only on physical strength but on the knowledge, experience, and spirit of all members. The women's journey from rejection to respect transforms the community's values and ensures that their legacy endures.
Lessons for the Future
The band faces future hardships, but the memory of the two old women's ordeal shapes their actions. Elders are cherished, and the bonds of family and community are strengthened. The story is told and retold, a testament to the power of determination, forgiveness, and the human spirit. The land remains harsh, but the people are better prepared to face its challenges together. The two old women live out their days in happiness and honor, their lives a beacon of hope for generations to come.
Analysis
A timeless lesson in resilience and communityTwo Old Women is a powerful meditation on survival, dignity, and the value of elders in society. Through the ordeal of Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', Velma Wallis challenges assumptions about age, usefulness, and strength, revealing that wisdom and resilience often lie hidden beneath apparent frailty. The story critiques the dangers of expedient decisions made in fear, showing how communities can lose their moral compass under pressure. Yet, it also offers hope: through courage, forgiveness, and the willingness to learn from the past, individuals and groups can heal and grow stronger. The narrative's simplicity and emotional clarity make it universally accessible, while its roots in Gwich'in oral tradition ground it in a specific cultural context. In an age that often marginalizes the old and vulnerable, the book's message—that every person has value, and that true survival depends on compassion and mutual respect—remains urgently relevant.
Review Summary
Reviews for Two Old Women are largely positive, averaging 4.09/5. Readers praise the inspiring story of two elderly Athabaskan women who survive abandonment by their tribe during a brutal Alaskan winter. Many found the tale emotionally moving, timeless, and uplifting, highlighting themes of resilience, aging, friendship, and the value of elders. The simple, oral storytelling style was appreciated by most, though a few found it overly simplistic or flat. Many readers noted finishing it in one sitting, with several calling it genuinely inspirational.
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Characters
Ch'idzigyaak
Ch'idzigyaak is the older of the two women, initially portrayed as frail, dependent, and prone to complaint. Her abandonment by her own daughter and community shatters her sense of self-worth, plunging her into despair. Yet, through the ordeal, she discovers reserves of strength and resilience she never knew she possessed. Her relationship with Sa' evolves from mutual irritation to deep companionship, and her longing for family—especially her daughter and grandson—drives much of her emotional journey. Ch'idzigyaak's eventual forgiveness and acceptance of her daughter mark her transformation from victim to matriarch, embodying the healing power of compassion and the enduring value of elders.
Sa'
Sa', younger and more independent-minded, is the driving force behind the women's decision to fight for survival. Her refusal to accept death, practical skills, and emotional fortitude inspire Ch'idzigyaak to persevere. Sa's past as a rebellious, unconventional woman shapes her resilience and adaptability. She is both nurturing and fiercely protective, guiding her friend through despair and hardship. Sa's leadership and optimism are crucial to their survival, and her ability to forgive and trust again helps heal the rift with their former community. Her journey illustrates the power of agency and the importance of challenging resignation.
The Chief
The chief is a pragmatic and respected leader, forced by dire circumstances to make the agonizing decision to abandon the old women. His choice haunts him, and he is deeply affected by the suffering and loss that follow. The chief's willingness to seek reconciliation and accept the women's terms demonstrates humility and growth. He embodies the tension between communal survival and individual compassion, ultimately learning that true leadership requires both strength and empathy. His transformation is central to the community's healing and the restoration of respect for elders.
Ozhii Nelii
Ch'idzigyaak's daughter, Ozhii Nelii, is caught between loyalty to her mother and fear for her own and her son's safety. Her inability to protest the abandonment fills her with guilt and sorrow. She secretly aids her mother by leaving babiche, a gesture that becomes vital to the women's survival. Ozhii Nelii's journey is one of remorse, longing, and eventual reconciliation. Her reunion with her mother is a poignant moment of forgiveness and healing, illustrating the complexities of familial love and the cost of survival decisions.
Shruh Zhuu
Shruh Zhuu is compassionate, sensitive, and quietly rebellious against the injustices he witnesses. His respect for the old women and his secret act of leaving the hatchet are acts of courage and love. Shruh Zhuu's visits and messages help restore the bond between Ch'idzigyaak and her daughter, serving as a catalyst for reconciliation. He represents hope for the future—a new generation that values empathy and the wisdom of elders.
Daagoo
Daagoo is an elder and skilled tracker, chosen to lead the search for the women. His insight, patience, and respect for the old ways enable him to find the women's hidden camp. Daagoo's humility and willingness to admit past mistakes make him a key figure in rebuilding trust between the women and the band. He embodies the virtues of observation, reflection, and the importance of listening to elders.
The Young Hunters
The young hunters who accompany Daagoo are initially impatient and dismissive of the old women's chances. Their discovery of the women's survival challenges their assumptions and inspires newfound respect. Their vows to protect the women in the future signal a generational shift in attitudes toward elders and the value of experience.
The Band (The People)
The collective character of the band reflects the pressures of survival, the capacity for cruelty, and the potential for growth. Their initial abandonment of the women is driven by fear and necessity, but their suffering and eventual remorse lead to a transformation in values. The band's journey mirrors the women's, moving from division and despair to unity and respect.
The Bear
The bear, initially a threat to the women's food stores, becomes an unlikely partner as the women learn to coexist and share resources. The bear represents the challenges of the natural world and the necessity of adaptation and negotiation for survival.
The Land
The Alaskan wilderness is both antagonist and crucible, shaping the characters' fates. Its unforgiving conditions force the women to rediscover their strengths and the community to reevaluate its values. The land's indifference is a constant reminder of the fragility and resilience of human life.
Plot Devices
Survival as Redemption
The narrative uses the women's struggle for survival as both literal and metaphorical redemption. Their journey is structured as a series of escalating challenges—physical, emotional, and social—that force them to confront their limitations and rediscover their worth. The motif of "dying trying" becomes a rallying cry, transforming passive victims into active agents. The cyclical structure—abandonment, survival, reconciliation—mirrors the seasons and the rhythms of the land, reinforcing themes of renewal and transformation.
Foreshadowing and Parallelism
The story employs foreshadowing through memories of past abandonments and the women's own histories, suggesting that the cycle of neglect and survival is both personal and communal. The parallel suffering of the band and the women highlights the consequences of choices and the interconnectedness of all members. The use of objects—babiche, hatchet, caches—serves as tangible links between characters and as symbols of hope, resourcefulness, and reconciliation.
Dialogue and Storytelling
The women's conversations, reminiscences, and storytelling are central to character development and thematic depth. Through shared stories, they process trauma, transmit wisdom, and forge a new identity. The narrative's simplicity and repetition echo the oral tradition, emphasizing the importance of memory, language, and intergenerational learning.
Transformation Through Adversity
The plot hinges on the transformative power of adversity. The women's initial weaknesses—complaint, dependence, resentment—are stripped away by necessity, revealing hidden strengths. The community's suffering leads to humility and a reevaluation of values. The motif of the land as both adversary and teacher underscores the necessity of adaptation, cooperation, and respect for all members.
