The Singing Cave (Leighton novel)

The Singing Cave is a historical fiction novel written by Margaret Leighton. Set in the Pyrenees Mountains during the Paleolithic era, the story follows the coming-of-age of a young Cro-Magnon boy named Arna. Arna demonstrates a gift for drawing and a deep connection to the cave paintings created by his people. He faces challenges related to survival, tribal customs, and the emergence of artistic expression. The novel explores themes of artistic creation, cultural adaptation, and the relationship between early humans and their environment. It is generally considered a juvenile fiction work, appropriate for young adult readers interested in prehistoric life. The title refers to a specific cave within the story, significant both for its acoustics and its role as a canvas for early art. The book aims to provide an accessible introduction to the lives and beliefs of Paleolithic peoples based on archaeological understanding at the time of its writing.