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TL;DR: In a harsh winter, a starving Gwich'in tribe in Alaska decides to leave behind two elderly women, Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', as they can no longer keep up. The two women refuse to die and use their skills to survive, and eventually the tribe returns to find them thriving.
Table of Contents
Two Old Women at a Glance
| Author | Velma Wallis |
| First published | 1993 |
| Type | Retold legend |
| Best for | readers ages 10 and up who like short, inspiring survival stories |
Two Old Women is a novel by Velma Wallis, first published in 1993. The book is an Alaska Native legend retold by Velma Wallis. It is short. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains the abandonment of elders and hunger.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Famine
The tribe is hungry.
Abandoned
The chief orders the old women left behind.
Anger
The women decide to live.
Survival
They hunt, fish and make shelters.
Thriving
They gather food and prepare.
Reunion
The tribe returns.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Famine | The tribe is hungry. |
| Abandoned | The chief orders the old women left behind. |
| Anger | The women decide to live. |
| Survival | They hunt, fish and make shelters. |
| Thriving | They gather food and prepare. |
| Reunion | The tribe returns. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Elders have value.
- Anger can fuel survival.
- Skills matter.
- Community must care for its people.
- Forgiveness is possible.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The story is a legend.
- The prose is simple.
- The ending is hopeful.
Who Should Read Two Old Women?
Read it with ages 10 and up. It is a fine survival tale.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Two Old Women:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Two Old Women by Velma Wallis (1993)
- Type: Retold legend
- Best for: readers ages 10 and up who like short, inspiring survival stories
- Main idea in one line: Elders have value.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Two Old Women is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Two Old Women, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen: a boy survives
- Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George: a girl in Alaska
- Bird Girl by Velma Wallis: another Wallis book
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two Old Women a true story?
It is a legend.
Who wrote it?
Velma Wallis.
What age is it for?
Roughly 10 and up.
Is Two Old Women worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers ages 10 and up who like short, inspiring survival stories. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Two Old Women?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Two Old Women?
Two Old Women returns again and again to a few big ideas. Elders have value. Anger can fuel survival. Skills matter. Community must care for its people. Forgiveness is possible. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.