Seventeen original and apt illustrations and three episodes in this coming-of-age tale set in Neolithic Orkney:

'Curve of early learning' describes the hurts of childhood and early adolescence, the acquisition of understanding about one's environment and place in society, and the harsher reality of the precariousness of existence as invaders kill and rape.

'Arc of adaptation' tells of further changes, more deaths, but the discovery of humanity and, eventually love and respect.

'Circle of celebration' describes the journey by land and sea to the Ring of Brodgar for the celebration of the mid-winter solstice.